midnight
But it was not long ere the much expected sound of Mistress Croale 's voice heralded the hour for patience to blossom into possession . The voice was neither loud nor harsh , but clear and firm ; the noise that followed was both loud and strident . Voices had a part in it , but the movement of chairs and feet and the sudden contact of different portions of the body with walls and tables , had a larger . The guests were obeying the voice of their hostess all in one like a flock of sheep , but it was poor shepherd-work to turn them out of the fold at midnight . Gibbie bounded up and stood still as a statue at the very door-cheek , until he heard Mistress Croale 's hand upon the lock , when he bolted , trembling with eagerness , into the entry of a court a few houses nearer to the Widdiehill . One after one the pitiable company issued from its paradise , and each stumbled away , too far gone for leave-taking . Most of them passed Gibbie where he stood , but he took no heed ; his father was always the last -- and the least capable .