midnight
This was not mentioned to his sister , who was not present when he entered , as the physician was afraid of agitating her . The marriage was solemnized , and the bride and bridegroom left London . Aubrey 's weakness increased ; the effusion of blood produced symptoms of the near approach of death . He desired his sister 's guardians might be called , and when the midnight hour had struck , he related composedly what the reader has perused -- he died immediately after . The guardians hastened to protect Miss Aubrey ; but when they arrived , it was too late . Lord Ruthven had disappeared , and Aubrey 's sister had glutted the thirst of a VAMPYRE ! ________________________________________________________________ EXTRACT OF A LETTER , CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF LORD BYRON 'S RESIDENCE IN THE ISLAND OF MITYLENE .