midnight
Slowly she raised her right hand , and pointed in the direction of the setting sun . ` He is coming , ' she said in soft , clear tones ; ` life and light are coming with him , -- life and light and liberty ! ' `` Her hand fell gently by her side ; the rapt expression faded from her countenance , and the usual death-like blank overspread it . This trance passed away like others , and by midnight the house was profoundly still . Soon after that hour a vociferous peal at the great hall-bell roused most of the inmates from sleep . My rooms were in a distant quarter of the house , and a door opposite to that of my bedroom led to the haunted wing , but was always kept locked . I started up on hearing a second ring , and looked out , in hopes of seeing a servant pass , and ascertaining the cause of this unusual disturbance .