midnight
He trusted her as he did himself , and she deserved his confidence . The clever Italian had shared his anxiety , and as soon as the king entered another apartment , she beckoned to Moor and held a long conversation with him in a window-recess . She advised him to keep everything in readiness for departure , and she undertook to watch and give him timely warning . It was long after midnight , when Moor returned to his rooms . He sent the sleepy servant to rest , and paced anxiously to and fro for a short time ; then he pushed Ulrich 's portrait of Sophonisba nearer the mantel-piece , where countless candles were burning in lofty sconces . This was his friend , and yet it was not . The thing lacking -- yes , the king was right -- was incomprehensible to a boy .