midnight
` Contrary to my expectation , or my wish , nature did that for me which medicine had refused , and I recovered as if to punish with disappointment and anxiety my cruel tyrant . I afterwards learned , that in obedience to the marquis 's order , I had been carried to this spot by Vincent during the night , and that I had been buried in effigy at a neighbouring church , with all the pomp of funeral honor due to my rank . ' At the name of Vincent Julia started ; the doubtful words he had uttered on his deathbed were now explained -- the cloud of mystery which had so long involved the southern buildings broke at once away : and each particular circumstance that had excited her former terror , arose to her view entirely unveiled by the words of the marchioness . -- The long and total desertion of this part of the fabric -- the light that had appeared through the casement -- the figure she had seen issue from the tower -- the midnight noises she had heard -- were circumstances evidently dependant on the imprisonment of the marchioness ; the latter of which incidents were produced either by Vincent , or the marquis , in their attendance upon her . When she considered the long and dreadful sufferings of her mother , and that she had for many years lived so near her , ignorant of her misery , and even of her existence -- she was lost in astonishment and pity . ` My days , ' continued the marchioness , ` passed in a dead uniformity , more dreadful than the most acute vicissitudes of misfortune , and which would certainly have subdued my reason , had not those firm principles of religious faith , which I imbibed in early youth , enabled me to withstand the still , but forceful pressure of my calamity . ` The insensible heart of Vincent at length began to soften to my misfortunes .