midnight
`` Yes , '' rejoined Frances , `` and why does that circumstance excite your surprise ? '' Emily did not appear to notice this question , but remained thoughtful , for a few moments , and then said , `` It was about that same period that the Marchioness de Villeroi expired . '' `` That is an odd remark , '' said Frances . Emily , recalled from her reverie , smiled , and gave the conversation another turn , but it soon came back to the subject of the unhappy nun , and Emily remained in the cell of sister Frances , till the midnight bell aroused her ; when , apologising for having interrupted the sister 's repose , till this late hour , they quitted the cell together . Emily returned to her chamber , and the nun , bearing a glimmering taper , went to her devotion in the chapel . Several days followed , during which Emily saw neither the Count , nor any of his family ; and , when , at length , he appeared , she remarked , with concern , that his air was unusually disturbed . `` My spirits are harassed , '' said he , in answer to her anxious enquiries , `` and I mean to change my residence , for a little while , an experiment , which , I hope , will restore my mind to its usual tranquillity .