midnight
she asked with a good deal of composure . `` Fran ! '' Abbott exclaimed . `` Here all alone at midnight -- _ all alone ! _ Is it possible ? '' `` No , it _ is n't _ possible , '' Fran returned satirically , `` for I have company . '' Abbott warmly urged her to hasten back home ; at the same time he drew nearer and discovered that her lap was covered with playing-cards .