midnight
The sound of hoofs had roused her curiosity , but she did not seem to recognize him in the dim starlight . He slowly rode past , and when he presently turned back and again looked up , in the hope this time of seeing Paula , the place was vacant : however , he perceived a tall dark shadow moving across from one side of the room to the other , which could not be that of the nurse nor of her slender mistress . It must indeed be that of a remarkably big man , and stopping to gaze with anxious and unpleasant apprehension , he plainly recognized Philippus . It was past midnight . How could he account for his being with Paula at this hour ? -- Was she ill ? -- Was this room hers after all ?