about midnight
It was on a November evening , that the two women appointed for this melancholy purpose arrived at the miserable cottage which we have already described . Its wretched inmate lay stretched upon the bed , and seemed almost already a lifeless corpse , save for the wandering of the fierce dark eyes , which rolled in their sockets in a manner terrible to look upon , and seemed to watch with surprise and indignation the motions of the strangers , as persons whose presence was alike unexpected and unwelcome . They were frightened at her looks ; but , assured in each other 's company , they kindled a fire , lighted a candle , prepared food , and made other arrangements for the discharge of the duty assigned them . The assistants agreed they should watch the bedside of the sick person by turns ; but , about midnight , overcome by fatigue , -LRB- for they had walked far that morning -RRB- , both of them fell fast asleep . When they awoke , which was not till after the interval of some hours , the hut was empty , and the patient gone . They rose in terror , and went to the door of the cottage , which was latched as it had been at night . They looked out into the darkness , and called upon their charge by her name .