twelve o'clock
Go , Devoted One , and return thus ! -- This is my curse , a daughter 's curse : go , and return pure to thy child , who will never love aught but thee . These were my thoughts ; and with trembling hands I prepared to begin a letter to my unhappy parent . I had now spent many hours in tears and mournful meditation ; it was past twelve o'clock ; all was at peace in the house , and the gentle air that stole in at my window did not rustle the leaves of the twining plants that shadowed it . I felt the entire tranquillity of the hour when my own breath and involuntary sobs were all the sounds that struck upon the air . On a sudden I heard a gentle step ascending the stairs ; I paused breathless , and as it approached glided into an obscure corner of the room ; the steps paused at my door , but after a few moments they again receeded -LSB- , -RSB- descended the stairs and I heard no more . This slight incident gave rise in me to the most painful reflections ; nor do I now dare express the emotions I felt .