midnight
What 's that ? '' Amidst the pelting of the rain , which had increased within the last few hours rather than diminished , the pulling of the house-bell could be heard . Mrs. Yorke drew forth her watch -- a jeweled trinket of exquisite beauty , one of the few relics of her palmy time . `` Past midnight , '' she murmured , `` and all the lodgers are within . Who can it be ? '' The bell pealed forth again . She went into the hall , where the gas was burning , and unlocked the door .