midnight
I used to sleep so soundly . I used to be so fond of my sweet slumber that I could hardly wait to say my prayers , and often I would be in dreamland long before I got to the ` Amen . ' And if by any chance I awoke in the night and heard the clock strike , I would beg of it not to hurry along the hours so fast -- I did not want morning to come so soon ! But now that I have to sleep with locked doors , I lie awake often until midnight -- terrified by I know not what . I dread to be so entirely alone when everything is so quiet ; and when it is dark I feel as if some one were stealthily creeping about my room . When I hear a noise I wonder what it can be , and my heart beats so rapidly ! Then I draw the covers over my head to shut out all sound , and if I fall asleep thus I have such disagreeable dreams that I am glad when I waken again . ''