midnight
said Emily , rising from her recumbent posture on the sofa . `` It is indeed true , '' replied the doctor , in a melancholy tone . `` I would that he had died in the innocency of his childhood . I recognized him as he entered the house , and had nearly lost my consciousness , as the terrible reality stared me in the face , that my son , he whose childhood I had watched over , who once called me by the endearing name of father , is a common midnight assassin ! `` Is he your persecutor ? '' continued the doctor , relieved by an abundant shower of tears which the terrible truth had called to his eyes . `` Is he the person who has caused you so much trouble ? ''