midnight
Amidst the reproaches , which Morano had thrown out against Montoni , he had said -- he would not quit the castle _ he dared to call his _ , nor willingly leave _ another _ murder on his conscience -- hints , which might have no other origin than the passion of the moment : but Emily was now inclined to account for them more seriously , and she shuddered to think , that she was in the hands of a man , to whom it was even possible they could apply . At length , considering , that reflection could neither release her from her melancholy situation , nor enable her to bear it with greater fortitude , she tried to divert her anxiety , and took down from her little library a volume of her favourite Ariosto ; but his wild imagery and rich invention could not long enchant her attention ; his spells did not reach her heart , and over her sleeping fancy they played , without awakening it . She now put aside the book , and took her lute , for it was seldom that her sufferings refused to yield to the magic of sweet sounds ; when they did so , she was oppressed by sorrow , that came from excess of tenderness and regret ; and there were times , when music had increased such sorrow to a degree , that was scarcely endurable ; when , if it had not suddenly ceased , she might have lost her reason . Such was the time , when she mourned for her father , and heard the midnight strains , that floated by her window near the convent in Languedoc , on the night that followed his death . She continued to play , till Annette brought dinner into her chamber , at which Emily was surprised , and enquired whose order she obeyed . `` My lady 's , ma'amselle , '' replied Annette : `` the Signor ordered her dinner to be carried to her own apartment , and so she has sent you yours . There have been sad doings between them , worse than ever , I think . ''