midnight
At length Gionetta 's voice was swallowed up in successive yawns . She took her lamp and departed to her own room , which was placed in the upper story of the house . Isabel was alone . The half-hour after midnight sounded dull and distant , all was still , and she was about to enter her sleeping-room , when she heard the hoofs of a horse at full speed . The sound ceased ; there was a knock at the door . Her heart beat violently ; but fear gave way to another sentiment when she heard a voice , too well known , calling on her name . She went to the door .