midnight
A rattling window was answered by a creaking stair , a rafter groaned dismally , and the scurrying feet of mice pattered across a distant floor . Fumbling in her satchel , Miss Evelina drew out a candle and a box of matches . Presently there was light in the little house -- a faint glimmering light , which flickered , when the wind shook the walls , and twinkled again bravely when it ceased . She took off her wraps , and , through force of habit , pinned the multitudinous folds of her veil to her hair , forgetting that at midnight , and in her own house , there were none to see her face . Then she made a fire , for the body must be warmed , though the heart is dead , and the soul stricken dumb . She had brought with her a box containing a small canister of tea , and she soon had ready a cup of it , so strong that it was bitter . With her feet upon the hearth and the single candle flickering upon the mantel shelf , she sat in the lonely house and sipped her tea .