midnight
When her mind , however , had recovered from the first shock of this behaviour , she considered , that it would be impossible for him to compel her alliance with Morano , if she persisted in refusing to repeat any part of the marriage ceremony ; and she persevered in her resolution to await Montoni 's threatened vengeance rather than give herself for life to a man , whom she must have despised for his present conduct , had she never even loved Valancourt ; yet she trembled at the revenge she thus resolved to brave . An affair , however , soon after occurred , which somewhat called off Montoni 's attention from Emily . The mysterious visits of Orsino were renewed with more frequency since the return of the former to Venice . There were others , also , besides Orsino , admitted to these midnight councils , and among them Cavigni and Verezzi . Montoni became more reserved and austere in his manner than ever ; and Emily , if her own interests had not made her regardless of his , might have perceived , that something extraordinary was working in his mind . One night , on which a council was not held , Orsino came in great agitation of spirits , and dispatched his confidential servant to Montoni , who was at a Casino , desiring that he would return home immediately ; but charging the servant not to mention his name . Montoni obeyed the summons , and , on meeting Orsino , was informed of the circumstances , that occasioned his visit and his visible alarm , with a part of which he was already acquainted .