midnight
The truth , in this respect , was easily and ought immediately to be ascertained . I rose from the bed which I had lately taken , and proceeded to the _ study _ . The entries and staircases were illuminated by a pretty strong twilight . The rooms , in consequence of every ray being excluded by the closed shutters , were nearly as dark as if it had been midnight . The rooms into which I had already passed were locked , but its key was in each lock . I flattered myself that the entrance into the _ study _ would be found in the same condition . The door was shut , but no key was to be seen .