midnight
The man bowed and departed , and Sir Jasper Kingsland , Baronet , of Kingsland Court , was alone -- alone in the gloomy grandeur of the vast library ; alone with his thoughts and the wailing midnight storm . A little toy time-piece of buhl on the stone mantel chimed musically its story of the hour , and Sir Jasper Kingsland lifted his gloomy eyes for a moment at the sound . A tall , spare middle-aged man , handsome once -- handsome still , some people said -- with iron-gray hair and a proud , patrician face . `` Twelve , '' his dry lips whispered to themselves -- `` midnight , and for three hours I have endured this maddening agony of suspense ! Another day is given to the world , and before its close all I love best may be cold and stark in death ! Oh , my God ! have mercy , and spare her ! ''