midnight
And Christian 's heart sank like lead with a deadly foreboding , as he noted what a light was kindled in Sweyn 's eyes by her smile . That night , when all others slept , Christian , the weariest of all , watched outside the guest-chamber till midnight was past . No sound , not the faintest , could be heard . Could the old tale be true of the midnight change ? What was on the other side of the door , a woman or a beast ? he would have given his right hand to know . Instinctively he laid his hand on the latch , and drew it softly , though believing that bolts fastened the inner side .