midnight
In this darkness I should not dare to return to the town alone . '' Now he became anxious for me too . What could he do with me ? Should he let me go home alone at midnight through these clusters of houses in that suburb of ill-repute . Or should he take me miles on his way with him ? From there I should have to return alone in any case . At that moment a carriage approached rapidly , and as it passed before us , somebody leaped down upon us from the back seat , and laughing came where we were beside the hedge .