midnight
Examining all these things , and drawing his own conclusions as to the character of their owner , Parravicin turned to a couch on which a cittern was thrown , while beside it , on a cushion , were a pair of tiny embroidered velvet slippers . A pocket-mirror , or sprunking-glass , as it was then termed , lay on a side-table , and near it stood an embossed silver chocolate-pot , and a small porcelain cup with a golden spoon inside it , showing what the lady 's last repast had been . On another small table , covered with an exquisitely white napkin , stood a flask of wine , a tall-stemmed glass , and a few cakes on a China dish , evidently placed there for Disbrowe 's return . As Parravicin drew near this table , a slip of paper , on which a few lines were traced , attracted his attention , and taking it up , he read as follows : `` It is now midnight , and you promised to return early . I have felt your absence severely , and have been suffering from a violent headache , which has almost distracted me . I have also been troubled with strange and unaccountable misgivings respecting you . I am a little easier now , but still far from well , and about to retire to rest .