I wished I had kept my candle burning: the night was drearily dark; my spirits were depressed.

I rose and sat up in bed, listening.

The sound was hushed.
I tried again to sleep; but my heart beat anxiously: my inward tranquillity was broken.

The clock, far down in the hall, struck two.
Just then it seemed my chamber-door was touched; as if fingers had swept the panels in groping a way along the dark gallery outside.

I said, "Who is there ?" Nothing answered.