midnight
But Woman ! such is the angelic essence of thy being , that while capable of feeling with poignancy the shafts of ingratitude and neglect , thou art still ready to pardon , and ever disposed to forget , when repentance makes an appeal to thy compassionate and gentle heart . Such a woman was Theodora ! -- After having borne the extremity of sorrows , which seemed to surpass the strength of human forbearance , instigated by madness and despair , she had grasped the dagger in that soft hand little adequate for a deed so dark ; like the midnight assassin , she had entered the chamber of her wronger , bent upon the commission of crime . But the sight of _ him _ who was once so dear disarms her -- she can not accomplish the deed of guilt , and the sudden repentance of her betrayer , like a potent charm , soon dispels the evil passions to which she was a prey . Only a few words of comfort had Gomez Arias spoken before the voice of sorrow was hushed in her heart . Nay , the man who had wounded her so deeply , was endeared by his very cruelty ; for , alas !