midnight
My father was a cold , stern man , proud of his high descent , and arrogant with those beneath him . My mother was the daughter of a Venetian noble , bright and beautiful as a diamond , and insensible to all the softer warmths of women as is that precious gem . I was their only child , and all the love their hearts were capable of feeling was bestowed upon me ; all my desires were gratified ere expressed ; obsequious menials stood about my path eager to obey my slightest nod ; velvet received my infant footsteps , and the atmosphere around me was one of mellow music . '' ` I grew up to manhood a pampered child of fortune , happy only in the midnight orgie or early morning revel , and the most polished profligate of my native city ; yet my father regarded me with feelings of pride , and my mother looked upon her son as one well worthy to inherit the flaunting fortunes of his house . Although my father was ever kind to me he was subject to occasional fits of violence , when he would beat the servants , and render it necessary for his friends to confine him . It was said that he had seized a gipsey woman who had been caught in the act of stealing , causing her to be burned alive , and that while the flames were torturing the poor wretch , she had denounced her executioner with the bitterest execrations , and declared that he and his offspring should feel the curse of madness . The prophecy so worked upon my father 's mind as to occasion periodical attacks of insanity , at which seasons he would rave fearfully , and , as I said before , render temporary confinement necessary .