midnight before
`` And he says that rough walk pro ` bly saved him . '' Shandon tried to speak again , but failed again , and the two girls went out together . Mary presently came back alone , and the lessened but not uncheerful group downstairs settled down to a vigil . Various reports drifted from the sick-room , but it was almost midnight before Mrs. Larabee came down with definite news . `` How is he ? '' echoed Johnnie , sinking into a chair . `` Give me a cup of that coffee , Mary .