midnight
The woman he had rescued was indeed his sister , saved from a living death and brought back to life and love . _ V. -- Lucifer _ Ambrosio was tortured into confession , and condemned to be burned at the stake . Matilda , terrified at the sight of her fellow-criminal 's torments , confessed without torture , and was sentenced to be burned at his side . They were to perish at midnight , and as the monk , in panic-stricken despair , awaited the awful hour , suddenly Matilda stood before him , beautifully attired , with a look of wild pleasure in her eyes . `` Matilda ! '' he cried , `` how have you gained entrance ? '' `` Ambrosio , '' she replied , `` I am free .