about twelve o'clock
It was only at long intervals that the two sisters exchanged words on this dreary night , and then it was little more than a brief exclamation or remark , excited by some sudden and violent gust that swept over their little cottage , or roared amongst the trees with a fury exceeding the general tenor of the storm . To bed they could not think of going . They therefore continued by the fire , where they sat almost without moving for many hours . It was now late , perhaps about twelve o'clock , and the storm was at its height , when the fears of the two lonely sisters were suddenly wrought up to a horrible climax , by a loud rapping at the door , which , again , was instantly followed by the sound of a voice imploring admittance . In the first moment of alarm , the women leaped from their seats and flew to different corners of the apartment , screaming hideously , having no doubt that their fatal dream was now about to be realised . From this terror , however , they were gradually in some measure relieved by the supplicatory language and tones of the person seeking admittance . `` For God 's sake , open the door ! ''