one o'clock
`` We crossed the Alps in safety , but not without experiencing much peril ; and in a short time glorious Italy spread itself out at our feet . The conversation of the count had already prepared me to admire -- '' At this moment , Agnes ' narrative was interrupted by a piercing shriek which burst from her lips ; and extending her arms toward the window of the apartment , she screamed hysterically , `` Again that countenance ! '' and fell back on the ottoman . In order that the reader may understand how Agnes could perceive any object outside the window , in the intense darkness of that tempestuous night -- or rather morning , for it was now past one o'clock -- we must observe that not only was the apartment in which Wagner and herself were seated brilliantly lighted by the silver lamps , but that , according to Florentine custom , there were also lamps suspended outside to the veranda , or large balcony belonging to the casements of the room above . Agnes and Wagner were , moreover , placed near the window which looked into a large garden attached to the mansion ; and thus it was easy for the lady , whose eyes happened to be fixed upon the casement in the earnest interest with which she was relating her narrative , to perceive the human countenance that appeared at one of the panes . The moment her history was interrupted by the ejaculation of alarm that broke from her lips , Wagner started up and hastened to the window ; but he could see nothing save the waving evergreens in his garden , and the light of a mansion which stood at a distance of about two hundred yards from his own abode . He was about to open the casement and step into the garden , when Agnes caught him by the arm , exclaiming wildly , `` Leave me not -- I could not -- I could not bear to remain alone ! ''