midnight
The silence was so profound that it seemed to make itself _ felt _ and , in that vast solitude , few indeed could remain without being impressed with the solemn grandeur of nature around . Hour after hour wore away ; still Rosalind remained at the window . As there was no inclination to sleep , she determined to remain in her position until morning . She knew that it must be far beyond midnight , and at the thought there sprung up a faint hope within her breast . But she was startled by the dismal hoot of an owl . She sprang up , with a beating heart , listening intently and painfully ; but no other sound was heard . Trying to smile at her trepidation , she again seated herself and listened ; in a moment that cry was repeated , now in an opposite direction from which the first note was heard .