midnight
If any reader will consider the matter , mine was not an enviable position . Alone in a desolate house , reputed to be haunted , watching for some one who had sufficient interest in the place to watch it and me closely . It was still early -- not later than half-past ten . I had concluded to keep my vigil until after midnight , and tried to while away the time with thoughts foreign to the matter in hand . All in vain , however . Let me force what subject I pleased upon my mind , it reverted persistently to Mr. Elmsdale and the circumstances of his death . `` Why did he commit suicide ? ''