midnight
`` They ca n't be those of ghosts , at all events , '' replied Lucian , `` as I never heard , to my knowledge , that spirits could cast shadows . '' `` Well , come and see for yourself that the house is empty . '' Warmly as this invitation was given , Lucian had some scruples about accepting it . To explore an almost unfurnished mansion with a complete stranger -- and one with an ill reputation -- at the midnight hour , is not an enterprise to be coveted by any man , however bold he may be . Still , Lucian had ample courage , and more curiosity , for the adventure , as the chance of it stirred up that desire for romance which belongs peculiarly to youth . Also he was anxious to satisfy himself concerning the blind shadows , and curious to learn why Berwin inhabited so dismal and mysterious a mansion . Add to these reasons a keen pleasure in profiting by the occurrence of the unexpected , and you will guess that Denzil ended by accepting the strange invitation of Berwin .