the hour of six
With a beating heart , beating till he could hardly breathe , he stood in dumb hope before the mirror , on the following evening . Again the reflected room shone as through a purple vapour in the gathering twilight . Everything seemed waiting like himself for a coming splendour to glorify its poor earthliness with the presence of a heavenly joy . And just as the room vibrated with the strokes of the neighbouring church bell , announcing the hour of six , in glided the pale beauty , and again laid herself on the couch . Poor Cosmo nearly lost his senses with delight . She was there once more ! Her eyes sought the corner where the skeleton had stood , and a faint gleam of satisfaction crossed her face , apparently at seeing it empty .