midnight
This determination soothed me . To-morrow , loveliest and best , hope and joy of my life , to-morrow I will see thee -- Fool , to dream of a moment 's delay ! I went to rest . At past midnight I was awaked by a violent knocking . It was now deep winter ; it had snowed , and was still snowing ; the wind whistled in the leafless trees , despoiling them of the white flakes as they fell ; its drear moaning , and the continued knocking , mingled wildly with my dreams -- at length I was wide awake ; hastily dressing myself , I hurried to discover the cause of this disturbance , and to open my door to the unexpected visitor . Pale as the snow that showered about her , with clasped hands , Idris stood before me . `` Save me ! ''