midnight
Soon afterwards she came flying to him in the utmost delight to repeat what she called a `` lovely sneap '' which Lady G -- had given to Mrs. Elton ; nor did she forget to tell him that Emma Woodhouse was explaining to the Portuguese nun her reasons for deciding never to marry . ` Out of sheer astonishment she appears to become quite tranquillised , ' said Madge , as if relating an important fact . His curiosity concerning this nun grew apace , for she seemed a favourite with both the girls . When it was near midnight the imaginary pageant suddenly came to an end , as in all cases of enchantment . Eliz grew tired ; one of the lamps smoked and had to be extinguished ; the fire had burned low . Madge declared that the company had departed . She went out of the room to call the servant , but in a few minutes she came back discomfited , a little pout on her lips .