midnight
It is not these candles alone , moulded beneath the midnight darkness of the new moon , and drencht with human blood , it is not the mere uttering magical words and incantations , that can give you the mastery over the soul of another : there is much more belonging to such works , as the initiated well know . '' `` I may depend upon you then ! '' cried the stranger . `` Tomorrow after midnight I am at your service , '' replied the old woman . `` You shall not be the first person that ever was dissatisfied with my skill . Tonight , as you have heard , I have some one else in hand , one whose senses and soul our art shall twist about whichever way we choose , just as easily as I twist this hair out of my head . '' These last words she uttered with a half grin ; and they separated , walking off in different directions .