For a time I paced up and down the room, and then, carrying the lamp to the head of my bed, I lay down without undressing, reading St.Thomas a Kempis, and praying from my heart that the night might pass safely over us.
"I had at last fallen into a troubled sleep when I was suddenly aroused by a loud, sonorous sound ringing in my ears.

I sat up bewildered, but all was silent again.

The lamp was burning low, and my watch showed me that it was going on to midnight.

I blundered to my feet, and was striking a match with the intention of lighting the candles, when the sharp, vehement cry broke out again so loud and so clear that it might have been in the very room with me.

My chamber is in the front of the house, while those of my mother and sister are at the back, so that I am the only one who commands a view of the avenue.
"Rushing to the window I drew the blind aside and looked out.