At some uncertain period in the depths of night, and, as it were, through the thin veil of a dream, she was conscious of a footstep mounting the stairs heavily, but not with force and decision.

在深夜的某个不确定的时刻，仿佛透过梦境的薄纱，她意识到一个脚步声沉重地走上楼梯，但并不有力和果断。