midnight
But when this needful occupation was finished , his thoughts began to stream in upon him like a troubled tide -- at once recalling the past , and anticipating the future . It was in vain that he wrapped himself in his riding cloak , and , lying down on his bed , endeavoured to compose himself to sleep . The uncertainty of the prospect before him -- the doubt how Bridgenorth might dispose of his daughter during his absence -- the fear that the Major himself might fall into the power of the vindictive Countess , besides a numerous train of vague and half-formed apprehensions , agitated his blood , and rendered slumber impossible . Alternately to recline in the old oaken easy-chair , and listen to the dashing of the waves under the windows , mingled , as the sound was , with the scream of the sea-birds ; or traverse the apartment with long and slow steps , pausing occasionally to look out on the sea , slumbering under the influence of a full moon , which tipped each wave with silver -- such were the only pastimes he could invent , until midnight had passed for one hour ; the next was wasted in anxious expectation of the summons of departure . At length it arrived -- a tap at his door was followed by a low murmur , which made him suspect that the Countess had again employed her mute attendant as the most secure minister of her pleasure on this occasion . He felt something like impropriety in this selection ; and it was with a feeling of impatience alien to the natural generosity of his temper , that , when he opened the door , he beheld the dumb maiden standing before him . The lamp which he held in his hand showed his features distinctly , and probably made Fenella aware of the expression which animated them .