midnight
Having uttered these words he left the house , slowly sauntered down the garden path , and disappeared through the gate . The hours crept anxiously by : another evening came . I did not retire to rest till late , and when I did , I could not sleep . He returned after midnight , and , instead of going to bed , shut himself into the room beneath . I listened , and tossed about , and , finally , dressed and descended . It was too irksome to lie there , harassing my brain with a hundred idle misgivings . I distinguished Mr. Heathcliff 's step , restlessly measuring the floor , and he frequently broke the silence by a deep inspiration , resembling a groan .