midnight
A priest once told me that , if the Virgin withdrew her blessing and the light went out , the old Palazzo del Torte would sink into the earth , with all that dwell in it . There will be a terrible crash before morning ! '' The stranger made the best of his way from the doomed premises ; while Kenyon -- who would willingly have seen the tower crumble down before his eyes , on condition of Hilda 's safety -- determined , late as it was , to attempt ascertaining if she were in her dove-cote . Passing through the arched entrance , -- which , as is often the case with Roman entrances , was as accessible at midnight as at noon , -- he groped his way to the broad staircase , and , lighting his wax taper , went glimmering up the multitude of steps that led to Hilda 's door . The hour being so unseasonable , he intended merely to knock , and , as soon as her voice from within should reassure him , to retire , keeping his explanations and apologies for a fitter time . Accordingly , reaching the lofty height where the maiden , as he trusted , lay asleep , with angels watching over her , though the Virgin seemed to have suspended her care , he tapped lightly at the door panels , -- then knocked more forcibly , -- then thundered an impatient summons . No answer came ; Hilda , evidently , was not there .