midnight
The moon must have arisen , although obscured by clouds , through which it cast but a dim radiance , for the night had certainly grown lighter ; so that although there were no strong shadows cast , a more diffused brightness was about all things , and their outlines looked not so dancing , and confused the one with the other . He strained his eyes in the direction whence the sounds proceeded , and then his fears for his personal safety vanished , for he saw it was a female form that was slowly advancing towards him . His first impulse was to rise , for with the transient glimpse he got of it , he knew that it must be Flora Bannerworth ; but a second thought , probably one of intense curiosity to know what could possibly have brought her to such a spot at such a time , restrained him , and he was quiet . But if the surprise of Sir Francis Varney was great to see Flora Bannerworth at such a time in such a place , we have no doubt , that with the knowledge which our readers have of her , their astonishment would more than fully equal his ; and when we come to consider , that since that eventful period when the sanctity of her chamber had been so violated by that fearful midnight visitant , it must appear somewhat strange that she could gather courage sufficient to wander forth alone at such an hour . Had she no dread of meeting that unearthly being ? Did the possibility that she might fall into his ruthless grasp , not come across her mind with a shuddering consciousness of its probability ? Had she no reflection that each step she took , was taking her further and further from those who would aid her in all extremities ?