noon
She opened the door and peered cautiously out . No one was to be seen -- that tiresome baker was indulging in some practical joke , no doubt , and trying to frighten her . Susan was determined not to be frightened by her sweet-heart 's tricks , so she tripped boldly out into the garden , still carrying the brass candlestick . At the first step the wind blew out the candle ; but , of course , that was of very little consequence when the bright moonlight made everything as clearly visible as at noon . `` I know who it is , '' cried Susan , in a voice intended to reach the baker ; `` and it 's a great shame to try and frighten a poor girl when she 's sitting all alone by herself . '' She had scarcely uttered the words when the candlestick fell from her extended hand , and she stood rooted to the gravel pathway -- a statue of fear . Exactly opposite to her , slowly advancing towards the open door of the scullery , she saw an awful figure -- whose description was too familiar to her .