midnight
The conclusion was that it had entered the marquis 's room . He must not disturb the conclave in the sick chamber with what might be but `` a false creation , proceeding from the heat oppressed brain , '' and turned back to his own room , where he threw himself on his bed and fell asleep . About twelve Mrs Courthope called him : his master was worse , and wanted to see him . The midnight was still , for the dark and wind had ceased . But a hush and a cloud seemed gathering in the stillness and darkness , and with them came the sense of a solemn celebration , as if the gloom were canopy as well as pall -- black , but bordered and hearted with purple and gold ; and the stillness seemed to tremble as with the inaudible tones of a great organ , at the close or commencement of some mighty symphony . With beating heart he walked softly towards the room where , as on an altar , lay the vanishing form of his master , like the fuel in whose dying flame was offered the late and ill nurtured sacrifice of his spirit . As he went through the last corridor leading thither , Mrs Catanach , type and embodiment of the horrors that haunt the dignity of death , came walking towards him like one at home , her great round body lightly upborne on her soft foot .