midnight
My father continued near me through the ceremony , and left the saloon at its conclusion ; but I _ knew _ that his feelings were like mine and envied his liberty . '' ` Then I grew calm again , and friends congratulated me , and music filled the air , and the dance went on , and I kissed my bride until she involuntarily shrank from me in confusion . I was very happy then . '' ` At length the midnight hour arrived and the maidens of Lucia conducted her , veiled in blushes , to the nuptial couch . How beautiful did she look , arrayed in spotless white , such as bright angels wear . An hour elapsed ere I flew to her chamber and threw myself upon the floor in a paroxysm of mirth . There was a large lamp of glass that burned before a mirror in our bridal chamber , and as its perfumed oil was consumed a delicious odor ladened the air ; as I rolled upon the carpet and tore it with my teeth , the light shone in my eyes , and in an instant I ceased all motion and stared fixedly at it , while cold drops of water came out upon my temple . ''