midday
There was no moon , and the thick foliage produced a deep , dark density , mysterious and sweet . The grand terraces about the castle were still , save for the buzz of summer insects and the low , sleepy twittering of birds . There was not a star to be seen and only the glow-worm lent an occasional lilliputian effulgence to the great , dark world . All within the castle appeared to have retired earlier than usual ; perhaps for the purpose of an earlier awakening , as their Graces of Ellswold were to set out early on the morrow morning , aiming to make some great distance on their journey before the heat of midday . At a quarter after the hour of ten Janet had kissed her mistress , leaning over her pillow with even more affection than usual . `` Good-night , my Lambkin , my child , my precious maid -- good-night and God bless thee ! '' then snuffed the candles and left her .