midnight
I do not know what you mean by your words about the danger of staying here alone ; but I am not afraid of ghosts or demons : therefore please to feel no anxiety on my account . '' The young man appeared to be rejoiced by these assurances , and expressed his gratitude in fitting words . Then the other members of the family , and the folk assembled in the adjoining room , having been told of the priest 's kind promises , came to thank him , -- after which the master of the house said : -- `` Now , reverend Sir , much as we regret to leave you alone , we must bid you farewell . By the rule of our village , none of us can stay here after midnight . We beg , kind Sir , that you will take every care of your honorable body , while we are unable to attend upon you . And if you happen to hear or see anything strange during our absence , please tell us of the matter when we return in the morning . '' All then left the house , except the priest , who went to the room where the dead body was lying .