midnight
But it no longer stood in the old place -- the owner of the house , a rich matron , who had been compelled to occupy an attic-room , while strangers were quartered in her residence , had taken charge of the pale orphan and the boxes after Florette 's death . The good Netherland dame provided for the adopted child and the property of her enemy , the man whose soldiers had pillaged her brothers and cousins . The death of the woman below had moved her deeply , for the wonderful charm of Florette 's manner had won her also . Towards midnight Ulrich took the lamp and went upstairs . He had long since forgotten to spare others , by denying himself a wish . The knocking at the door and the passing to and fro in the entry had kept Frau Geel awake . When she heard the Eletto 's heavy step , she sprang up from her spinning-wheel in alarm , and the maid-servant , half roused from sleep , threw herself on her knees .