midnight
She did not wish for warmth , even when night fell and brought more biting iciness . She sat by her window in the dark until the moon rose , and though shudders shook her from head to foot , she made no effort to gain warmth . She heard but few sounds from below , but she waited until all was still before she left her place . But at midnight perfect silence had settled upon the house , and she got up and left her room , leaving the key unturned in the lock . `` To-morrow , or the day after , perhaps , '' she said , `` they will wish to go in . '' Then she went up the stairs for the last time . Since she had heard the heavy feet lumbering with their burden past her door , a singular calm had settled upon her .