midnight
She put the package in her pocket , seated herself by the couch , and commenced `` Egmont . '' It was with a feeling of indescribable relief that the orphan awoke , at dawn the following morning , and dressed by the gray twilight . She had fallen asleep the night before amid the hum of voices , of laughter , and of dancing feet . Sounds of gayety , from the merry party below , had found their way to the chamber of the heiress , and when Beulah left her at midnight she was still wakeful and restless . The young teacher could not wait for the late breakfast of the luxurious Grahams , and , just as the first level ray of sunshine flashed up from the east , she tied on her bonnet and noiselessly entered Cornelia 's room . The heavy curtains kept it close and dark , and on the hearth a taper burned with pale , sickly light . Cornelia slept soundly ; but her breathing was heavy and irregular , and the face wore a scowl , as if some severe pain had distorted it .