midnight
not a word to the Beaumonts , or the birds will be flown . '' Sedley preserved the serenity of his features , promised punctual attendance , and remarked that , to prevent any alarm from suspicion of an intercourse with Morgan , it would be expedient for him to hurry back . His anxiety to rescue the threatened victim was nearly as lively as the assiduity of Isabel ; yet not daring again to request the confidence she had so peremptorily refused , he thought his best plan would be to watch the cemetery ; and , pretending to retire indisposed to his chamber , as soon as it was evening he hurried , unobserved , down the avenue , entered the church , and concealed himself behind a pillar , from whence he had a full view of a door partially obstructed with rubbish which , he supposed , opened into the mausoleum . A little before midnight , he heard the sound of feet ; the shade was withdrawn from a dark lanthorn ; and he discovered Isabel by its feeble light , as she held it up , and with cautious anxiety seemed to explore the ruins , to be assured that all was safe before she ventured on her nocturnal employment . She then approached the door , and whispered to the invisible inhabitant of the sepulchre . Sedley heard a bar fall , and saw her remove a portion of the rubbish , enter the dreary abode , and re-close the door . Listening , he heard voices conversing in low murmurs .