midnight
Now and again I felt a sort of heave , but whether in the earth or in the air or in the waters under the earth , whether in my own body or in my soul -- whether it was anywhere , I could not tell . A dread sense of judgment was upon me . But I was not afraid , for I had ceased to care for aught save the thing that must be done . Suddenly it was midnight . The muffled woman rose , turned toward the settle , and slowly unwound the long swathes that hid her face : they dropped on the ground , and she stepped over them . The feet of the princess were toward the hearth ; Mara went to her head , and turning , stood behind it . Then I saw her face .