midnight
Margaret caught her sister 's meaning , and strove to the utmost to think as she did ; but Sydney 's complaint of being `` overmuch questioned about his ride '' was fatal to the attempt . It returned upon her incessantly during the night ; and when , towards morning , she slept a little , these words seemed to be sounding in her ear all the while . Before undressing , both she and Hester had been unable to resist stepping out upon the stairs to watch for signs whether it was the intention of the family to sit up or go to rest . All had retired to their rooms some time before midnight ; and then it was certain that nothing more could be learned before morning . Each sister believed that the other slept ; but neither could be sure . It was an utterly wretched night to both , and the first which they had ever passed in misery , without speaking to each other . Margaret 's suffering was all from apprehension .