midnight
On the same day that Surrey was removed to the Norman Tower , the Duke of Richmond quitted the castle without assigning any motive for his departure , or even taking leave of his friend . At first some jealous mistrust that he might be gone to renew his suit to the Fair Geraldine troubled the earl ; but he strongly combated the feeling , as calculated , if indulged , to destroy his tranquillity ; and by fixing his thoughts sedulously on other subjects , he speedily succeeded in overcoming it . On that night , while occupied in a translation of the Aeneid which he had commenced , he remained at his task till a late hour . The midnight bell had tolled , when , looking up , he was startled by perceiving a tall figure standing silent and motionless beside him . Independently of the difficulty of accounting for its presence , the appearance of the figure was in itself sufficiently appalling . It was above the ordinary stature , and was enveloped in a long black cloak , while a tall , conical black cap , which added to its height , and increased the hideousness of its features , covered its head . For a few minutes Surrey remained gazing at the figure in mute astonishment , during which it maintained the same motionless posture .