six o'clock
Dr. Bretton failed not to tell me _ why _ he was so kind : `` To keep away the nun , '' he said ; `` he was determined to dispute with her her prey . He had taken , '' he declared , `` a thorough dislike to her , chiefly on account of that white face-cloth , and those cold grey eyes : the moment he heard of those odious particulars , '' he affirmed , `` consummate disgust had incited him to oppose her ; he was determined to try whether he or she was the cleverest , and he only wished she would once more look in upon me when he was present : '' but _ that _ she never did . In short , he regarded me scientifically in the light of a patient , and at once exercised his professional skill , and gratified his natural benevolence , by a course of cordial and attentive treatment . One evening , the first in December , I was walking by myself in the carré ; it was six o'clock ; the classe-doors were closed ; but within , the pupils , rampant in the licence of evening recreation , were counterfeiting a miniature chaos . The carré was quite dark , except a red light shining under and about the stove ; the wide glass-doors and the long windows were frosted over ; a crystal sparkle of starlight , here and there spangling this blanched winter veil , and breaking with scattered brilliance the paleness of its embroidery , proved it a clear night , though moonless . That I should dare to remain thus alone in darkness , showed that my nerves were regaining a healthy tone : I thought of the nun , but hardly feared her ; though the staircase was behind me , leading up , through blind , black night , from landing to landing , to the haunted grenier . Yet I own my heart quaked , my pulse leaped , when I suddenly heard breathing and rustling , and turning , saw in the deep shadow of the steps a deeper shadow still -- a shape that moved and descended .