midnight
Vivian , confounded , and unable to overpower his emotions , uttered some hasty words , explanatory , apologetical , and contradictory , and retired . In his walk to the summer-house a man passed him . In spite of a great cloak , Vivian recognised him as their messenger and guide ; and his ample mantle did not conceal his riding boots and the spurs which glistened in the moonlight . It was an hour past midnight when the door of the summer-house softly opened and Mr. Beckendorff entered . He started when he found Vivian still undressed , and pacing up and down the little chamber . The young man made an effort , when he witnessed an intruder , to compose a countenance whose agitation could not be concealed . `` What , are you up again ? ''