midnight
`` I saw nothing , and heard nothing ; and signal or no signal , the heavy snow would keep you here perforce . '' She smiled her thanks beautifully . And Christian 's heart sank like lead with a deadly foreboding , as he noted what a light was kindled in Sweyn 's eyes by her smile . That night , when all others slept , Christian , the weariest of all , watched outside the guest-chamber till midnight was past . No sound , not the faintest , could be heard . Could the old tale be true of the midnight change ? What was on the other side of the door , a woman or a beast ?