midnight
He stood up again , restlessly . `` Nearly thirty-five years have elapsed , '' he resumed , `` since that December night ; but my very soul trembles now , when I recall it ! There was a big house-party at Dhoon , but I had been prepared , for some weeks , by my father , for the ordeal that awaited me . Our family mystery is historical , and there were many fearful glances bestowed upon me , when , at midnight , my father took me aside from the company and led me to the old library . By God ! Dr. Cairn -- fearful as these reminiscences are , it is a relief to relate them -- to _ someone _ ! '' A sort of suppressed excitement was upon Lashmore , but his voice remained low and hollow .