midnight
Was it the night breeze that almost imperceptibly raised and lowered it , or was her own dear self concealed behind it ? Just at that moment he suddenly felt his servant 's hand on his arm , and as he followed his horror-stricken gaze , a chill ran through his own veins . From the heavy door of the house , which stood half open , a white - robed figure emerged with the solemn , noiseless footfall of a ghost , and advanced across the courtyard towards him . Was it a restless spirit risen from its grave at the midnight hour , which must be close at hand ? Through his brain , like a flash of lightning , darted the thought that Eva had spoken to him of her invalid mother . Had she died ? Was her wandering soul approaching him to drive him from the threshold of the house which hid her endangered child ?