midnight
Gualtier paused . Hilda sat motionless , without saying a word . Gualtier himself seemed reluctant to go on ; but he had to conclude his narrative , and so he forced himself to proceed . `` It was midnight '' -- he went on , in a very low voice -- `` it was exceedingly dark . The day had been fine , but the sky was now all overclouded . The sea , however , was comparatively smooth , and every thing was favorable to the undertaking . The boat was all ready .