midnight
Many of the guests were to remain in the castle during the night ; and the gallant hussar was informed that one of them must occupy a room reputed to be haunted , and was asked if he had any objections to accepting the room for himself . He declared that he had none whatever , and thanked his host for the honor conferred upon him by the offer . He , however , expressed a wish that no trick might be played upon him , saying that such an act might be followed by very serious consequences , as he should use his pistols against whatever disturbed the peace of the room . He retired after midnight , leaving his lamp burning ; and , wearied by the festivities , soon fell asleep . He was presently awakened by the sound of music , and , looking about the apartment , saw at the opposite end , three phantom ladies , grotesquely attired , singing a mournful dirge . The music was artistic , rich , and soothing , and the hussar listened for a time , highly entertained . The piece was one of unvarying sadness , and , however seductive at first , after a time lost its charm .