midnight
`` You must ask Lexow about that , my brother . '' Thus continued the conversation long , and became by degrees more serious and still . The brother and sister seemed to talk of their future , and that is always a solemn matter , but ever and anon burst forth a hearty laughter from the midst of their consultations . It went on to midnight , but neither of them appeared to mark this . Susanna , during the conversation of the relatives , had retired to the next room , so as to leave them the more freedom . Her bosom was oppressed by unwonted and melancholy feelings . With her brow leaned against the cool window panes , she gazed out into the lovely summer evening , while she listened to the soft and familiar voices within .