About nine o'clock
and she broke into a perfect tempest of tears and sobs as she arrived at this crisis . Daylight faded ; the last crimson flush died out of the western sky ; darkness settled upon the mountain-tops that overlooked the beautiful bay , and gradually wrapping itself about them like a mantle , finally dropped like a pall upon the gay watering-place and the adjacent village , which all day long had been in a fever of excitement and expectation over the prospect of the grand wedding that was to occur on the morrow . Nothing else had been talked of for a week , and everybody was anxious to see the beautiful girl whom the distinguished English earl had won , but who had so resolutely secluded herself that but very few had had even a glimpse of her face ; but on the morrow everybody would have an opportunity to judge for themselves , whether she was one who would honor the high position which had been offered her . About nine o'clock Mrs. Mencke went up to her sister 's room to see if she needed anything before retiring . She tried the door and found it locked . `` Are you in bed , Violet ? '' she called , in a low tone , with her lips at the key-hole .