noon
Nevertheless , realizing the value of his advice , I thrust the pages one by one into the blazing log fire , and watched them as they flared and flamed and grew to ashes . As the last page disappeared in the embers the demon vanished . I was alone , and throwing myself down for a moment 's reflection upon my couch , was soon lost in sleep . It was noon when I again opened my eyes , and , ten minutes after I awakened , your telegraphic summons reached me . `` Come down at once , '' was what you said , and I went ; and then came the terrible _ dénouement , _ and yet a _ dénouement _ which was pleasing to me since it relieved my conscience . You handed me the envelope containing the story . `` Did you send that ? ''