midnight
An hour later , when all were scurrying about getting ready for the walk to the schoolhouse , which was situated several blocks from the home house and its adjacent cottages , Toinette came face to face with Miss Preston in one of the upper halls . Both stopped short , looked each other squarely in the eyes , and said nothing . Then Miss Preston 's eyes began to smile , and her mouth followed their example , and , placing one finger under Toinette 's chin , she said : `` I am forced to admit that it was one of the funniest things I 've ever seen , and extremely well done , but it scared Mrs. Stone nearly to death ; so , please , do n't favor us with the second act . '' And that was the only allusion ever made by Miss Preston to the midnight ramble , nor was it ever repeated for Mrs. Stone 's benefit , although nothing could ever have persuaded the good lady that she had been the victim of a hoax that night . It would have been difficult to find a more consummate teacher than Miss Preston , or one who , without their ever suspecting it , could so bring her girls up to the mark . It was a rare exception when she failed to accomplish her aim , and her tact was truly wonderful . There was rarely a harsh word spoken , although Miss Preston could speak sharply enough when occasion required .