midnight
For a time I paced up and down the room , and then , carrying the lamp to the head of my bed , I lay down without undressing , reading St. Thomas a Kempis , and praying from my heart that the night might pass safely over us . `` I had at last fallen into a troubled sleep when I was suddenly aroused by a loud , sonorous sound ringing in my ears . I sat up bewildered , but all was silent again . The lamp was burning low , and my watch showed me that it was going on to midnight . I blundered to my feet , and was striking a match with the intention of lighting the candles , when the sharp , vehement cry broke out again so loud and so clear that it might have been in the very room with me . My chamber is in the front of the house , while those of my mother and sister are at the back , so that I am the only one who commands a view of the avenue . `` Rushing to the window I drew the blind aside and looked out .