two o'clock
The idea pleased Polly , albeit it was a `` fearful joy '' and attended with some cold shivering . Naturally , as a gentleman , he would appear to HER -- the daughter of a gentleman -- the successor to his house -- rather than to a Yankee stranger . What was she to do ? For once her calm nerves were strangely thrilled ; she could not think of undressing and going to bed , and two o'clock surprised her , still meditating , and occasionally peeping from her window upon the moonlit but vacant garden . If she saw him again , would she dare to go down alone ? Suddenly she started to her feet with a beating heart ! There was the unmistakable sound of a stealthy footstep in the passage , coming towards her room .