about
half past eleven
At the end of the letter latest in date the same female hand had written these words : `` Lost at sea the 4th of June , the same day as -- '' I put down the letters , and began to muse over their contents . Fearing , however , that the train of thought into which I fell might unsteady my nerves , I fully determined to keep my mind in a fit state to cope with whatever of marvelous the advancing night might bring forth . I roused myself ; laid the letters on the table ; stirred up the fire , which was still bright and cheering ; and opened my volume of Macaulay . I read quietly enough till about half past eleven . I then threw myself dressed upon the bed , and told my servant he might retire to his own room , but must keep himself awake . I bade him leave open the door between the two rooms . Thus alone , I kept two candles burning on the table by my bed head .