Twelve
o’clock
I was determined to wait up for his return , so I piled some coals upon the fire and took down a novel from the shelf . My thoughts proved more interesting than the book , however , and I threw it on one side . An indefinable feeling of anxiety and depression weighed upon me . Twelve o'clock came , and then half-past , without any sign of my friend . It was nearly one when I heard a step in the street outside , and then a knocking at the door . I was surprised , as I knew that my friend always carried a key -- however , I hurried down and undid the latch . As the door flew open I knew in a moment that my worst apprehensions had been fulfilled .