midnight
After some deliberation , she determined that Montoni should not be informed of this event till the morning , for she considered , that he might , perhaps , utter some inhuman expressions , such as in the present temper of her spirits she could not bear . With Annette alone , therefore , whom she encouraged by her own example , she performed some of the last solemn offices for the dead , and compelled herself to watch during the night , by the body of her deceased aunt . During this solemn period , rendered more awful by the tremendous storm that shook the air , she frequently addressed herself to Heaven for support and protection , and her pious prayers , we may believe , were accepted of the God , that giveth comfort . The midnight clock has toll 'd ; and hark , the bell Of death beats slow ! heard ye the note profound ? It pauses now ; and now with rising knell Flings to the hollow gale its sullen sound . MASON When Montoni was informed of the death of his wife , and considered that she had died without giving him the signature so necessary to the accomplishment of his wishes , no sense of decency restrained the expression of his resentment .