midnight
`` I sleep in the tower , and often watch very late on the battlements . There is a dismal old staircase to climb , however , before reaching the top , and a succession of dismal chambers , from story to story . Some of them were prison chambers in times past , as old Tomaso will tell you . '' The repugnance intimated in his tone at the idea of this gloomy staircase and these ghostly , dimly lighted rooms , reminded Kenyon of the original Donatello , much more than his present custom of midnight vigils on the battlements . `` I shall be glad to share your watch , '' said the guest ; `` especially by moonlight . The prospect of this broad valley must be very fine . But I was not aware , my friend , that these were your country habits .