instant

For an instant I could have sworn that the faintest shadow of a smile flickered over the woman’s lips.

At the same instant his ear caught a sort of indistinct sound on the stairs, followed by the measured tread of soldiery, with the clanking of swords and military accoutrements; then came a hum and buzz as of many voices, so as to deaden even the noisy mirth of the bridal party, among whom a vague feeling of curiosity and apprehension quelled every disposition to talk, and almost instantaneously the most deathlike stillness prevailed.

This shows that he was not attacked the instant that he entered the room.

I should say that you were the happiest man alive at this instant.”