half past eleven o'clock
`` Something extraordinary , said Mrs. Vincent , has prevented her coming . Perhaps she is ill . '' -- Alonzo shuddered at the suggestion . He looked at his watch ; it was half past eleven o'clock . Again he hastily sallied out , and took the road to her father 's . * * * * * The night was exceedingly dark , and illuminated only by the feeble glimmering of the twinkling stars . When he came within sight of the house , and as he drew near no lights were visible -- all was still and silent .