What had become of the family?
They were usually retired an hour before this; but the unextinguished taper, and the unbarred door were indications that they had not retired.

I again returned to the hall, and passed from one room to another, but still encountered not a human being.
I imagined that, perhaps, the lapse of a few minutes would explain these appearances.

Meanwhile I reflected that the preconcerted hour had arrived.

Carwin was perhaps waiting my approach.

Should I immediately retire to my own house, no one would be apprized of my proceeding.