Long habit had occasioned him to be always awake at this hour, and the toll was instantly obeyed.
Now frequent and anxious glances were cast at the clock.

Not a single movement of the index appeared to escape his notice.

As the hour verged towards twelve his anxiety visibly augmented.

The trepidations of my mother kept pace with those of her husband; but she was intimidated into silence.

All that was left to her was to watch every change of his features, and give vent to her sympathy in tears.
At length the hour was spent, and the clock tolled.