Two o'clock
The pendulum gave but a feeble tick-tack amid the general drowsiness that brooded over the whole chamber . Everything was sleeping , night-lamp and furniture alike ; on the table , near an extinguished lamp , some woman 's handiwork was disposed also in slumber . Helene in her sleep retained her air of gravity and kindliness . Two o'clock struck , and the stillness was broken . A deep sigh issued from the darkness of the closet . There was a rustling of linen sheets , and then silence reigned again . Anon labored breathing broke through the gloom .