midnight
I lost no time in entering into treaty for the estate in the country , and I soon found a purchaser for my excellent house in town . But my evil genius prevailed . I had neglected to renew the insurance of my house ; the policy was out but nine days , -LCB- Footnote : Founded on fact . -RCB- when a fire broke out in one of my servants ' rooms at midnight , and , in spite of all the assistance we could procure , the house was burnt to the ground . I carried my wife out senseless in my arms ; and , when I had deposited her in a place of safety , returned to search for a portfolio , in which was the purchase-money of the country estate , all in bank-notes . But whether this portfolio was carried off by some of the crowd , which had assembled round the ruins of my house , or whether it was consumed in the flames , I can not determine . A more miserable wretch than I was could now scarcely be found in the world ; and , to complete my misfortunes , I felt the consciousness that they were all occasioned by my own folly .