midnight
Where did it come from ? But he did not attempt to find out , he felt as though he were rooted to the spot . A strange horror paralyzed him . He had not even been able to sleep until midnight , he had lain awake for hours listening , and his nerves were so excited that he could hear all kinds of things . What was that stealing softly down the stairs ? Had it not stopped outside his door -- or had it crept further along the passage ? Oh God , it was she , she , and she would not let him go !