midnight
` Then that matter is settled , ' rejoined Mr. Hedge -- ` you can leave me now ; I shall not want you again to-night . I will stretch myself upon this sofa , and try to sleep . ' The valet bade his master good night , and left the library ; but instead of going to his own room , he crept stealthily towards the chamber of Julia , now Mrs. Hedge . At the door he paused and listened ; but hearing nothing , he softly opened the door , and glided in with noiseless steps , but with a palpitating heart , for it was a bold step he was taking -- he , a low menial , to venture at midnight into the bed-chamber of his master 's wife ! Yet he was a daring fellow , lustful and reckless ; and he fancied that his knowledge of the lady 's true history , and her fear of exposure , would render her willing to yield her person to his wishes . He approached the bed , and found that she was sleeping . The atmosphere of the room was warm and heavy with voluptuous perfumes ; and the dying light of the wax candles shed but a dim and uncertain ray upon the gorgeous furniture , the showy drapery of the bed , and the denuded form of the fair sleeper ; denuded of everything but one slight garment , whose transparent texture imperfectly concealed charms we dare not describe .