midnight
The specimens indeed , which She gave nightly of her talents for conversation , were by no means inviting . Sometimes the Castle rung with oaths and execrations : A Moment after She repeated her Paternoster : Now She howled out the most horrible blasphemies , and then chaunted De Profundis , as orderly as if still in the Choir . In short She seemed a mighty capricious Being : But whether She prayed or cursed , whether She was impious or devout , She always contrived to terrify her Auditors out of their senses . The Castle became scarcely habitable ; and its Lord was so frightened by these midnight Revels , that one fine morning He was found dead in his bed . This success seemed to please the Nun mightily , for now She made more noise than ever . But the next Baron proved too cunning for her . He made his appearance with a celebrated Exorciser in his hand , who feared not to shut himself up for a night in the haunted Chamber .