midnight
Convinced of this one fact , Mr. Hammond had not an instant 's hesitation . He pushed open the door without compunction , and entered the room , prepared to behold some terrible scene . But all was quiet as death itself . No midnight burglar had violated the sanctity of Lady Maulevrier 's apartment . The soft , steady light of the night-lamp shone on the face of the sleeper . Yes , all was quiet in the room , but not in that sleeper 's soul . The broad white brow was painfully contracted , the lips drawn down and distorted , the delicate hand , half hidden by the deep Valenciennes ruffle , clutched the coverlet with convulsive force .