midnight
_ I will not then resist you _ , I swear it ! ' said she , with much solemnity of manner , and then added -- ` one favor I will ask of you : permit me to remain all day to-morrow in my chamber , and do not even attempt to see me , until twelve o'clock to-morrow night , at which hour you will find me waiting for your appearance . ' I agreed to this request ; and she bade me good-night in a tone almost cheerful , as she left the room to seek her chamber . `` The next day and the next evening passed ; -- the midnight hour arrived . I closed my house , and repaired to the chamber which had been assigned to the use of my lady guest . Finding the door unlocked , I softly entered the apartment ; it was a spacious room , tolerably well furnished , and the bed was shrouded by muslin curtains ; a lighted candle stood upon the table ; glancing around I saw nobody . ` She is in bed , ' thought I , and every nerve in my body thrilled with delight at the thought .