the hour of twelve
A dull and death-like silence prevailed on his entrance . His pale face and brow , dishevelled hair , and the feeling that he manifested on finding Gertrude still up , told Henry in plainer words than she could have used that his wife was aware that her love had never been held sacred by him . The window-blinds were still unclosed , and the full-orbed moon shed her soft refulgence over the unrivalled scene , and gave it a silvery lustre which sweetly harmonized with the silence of the night . The clock 's iron tongue , in a neighboring belfry , proclaimed the hour of twelve , as the truant and unfaithful husband seated himself by the side of his devoted and loving wife , and inquired if she was not well . `` I am , dear Henry , '' replied Gertrude ; `` but I feat _ you _ are not . If well in body , I fear you are not at peace in mind . '' `` Why ? ''