five minutes
to twelve o'clock
The meeting was a happy one ; there was not a more joyful house than that within many miles around . Henry was restored to the arms of those who loved him , and , in a month , a wedding was celebrated between him and his cousin Ellen . * * * * * Sir Francis Varney glanced at his watch . It indicated but five minutes to twelve o'clock , and he sprang to his feet . Even as he did so , a loud knocking at the principal entrance to his house awakened every echo within its walls . -LSB- Illustration -RSB- Varney moved not now , nor did he speak , but , like a statue , he stood , with his unearthly looking eyes rivetted upon the door of the apartment . In a few moments one of his servants came , and said -- `` Sir , a person is here , who says he wants to see you .