every
hour from one to six in the morning
have mercy on us ! some dreadful deed has been done in this house to-night ! '' There was no more sleep for Clara . She heard the clock strike every hour from one to six in the morning , when she arose and dressed herself and went from her room , expecting to see upon the floor and walls and upon the faces of the household signs of some dreadful tragedy enacted upon the previous night . But all things were as usual -- the same dark , gloomy and neglected magnificence about the rooms and passages , the same reserved , sullen and silent aspect about the persons . Dorcas Knight presided as usual at the head of the breakfast table , and Craven Le Noir at the foot . Clara sat in her accustomed seat at the side , midway between them .