midnight
During the remainder of that evening I could find no opportunity of speaking to Biondello , and was , therefore , obliged to retire to my pillow with my curiosity unsatisfied . The prince had dismissed us early , but a thousand reflections flitted across my brain , and kept me awake . For a long time I could hear him pacing up and down his room ; at length sleep overcame me . Late at midnight I was awakened by a voice , and I felt a hand passed across my face ; I opened my eyes , and saw the prince standing at my bedside , with a lamp in his hand . He told me he was unable to sleep , and begged me to keep him company through the night . I was going to dress myself , but he told me to stay where I was , and seated himself at my bedside . `` Something has happened to me to-day , '' he began , `` the impression of which will never be effaced from my soul .