midnight
But not all nuptials in Mardi were like these . Others were wedded with different rites ; without the stone and flowery gyves . These were they who plighted their troth with tears not smiles , and made responses in the heart . Returning from the house of the merry to the house of the mournful , we lingered till midnight to witness the issuing forth of the body . By torch light , numerous canoes , with paddlers standing by , were drawn up on the beach , to accommodate those who purposed following the poor diver to his home . The remains embarked , some confusion ensued concerning the occupancy of the rest of the shallops . At last the procession glided off , our party included .