twelve o’clock
Having waited in silent expectation for a few minutes , with her eyes fixed on the door , it was again opened , and the same person appeared , whom she now knew to be Montoni . He looked cautiously round , without perceiving her , then , stepping forward , closed the door , and left the corridor . Soon after , Emily heard the door fastened on the inside , and she withdrew to her chamber , wondering at what she had witnessed . It was now twelve o'clock . As she closed her casement , she heard footsteps on the terrace below , and saw imperfectly , through the gloom , several persons advancing , who passed under the casement . She then heard the clink of arms , and , in the next moment , the watch-word ; when , recollecting the command she had overheard from Montoni , and the hour of the night , she understood , that these men were , for the first time , relieving guard in the castle . Having listened till all was again still , she retired to sleep .