midnight
One after another Fancy displayed her pictures , all of which appeared to have been painted by some malicious artist on purpose to vex Mr. Smith . Not a shadow of proof could have been adduced in any earthly court that he was guilty of the slightest of those sins which were thus made to stare him in the face . In one scene there was a table set out , with several bottles and glasses half filled with wine , which threw back the dull ray of an expiring lamp . There had been mirth and revelry until the hand of the clock stood just at midnight , when Murder stepped between the boon-companions . A young man had fallen on the floor , and lay stone dead with a ghastly wound crushed into his temple , while over him , with a delirium of mingled rage and horror in his countenance , stood the youthful likeness of Mr. Smith . The murdered youth wore the features of Edward Spencer . `` What does this rascal of a painter mean ? ''