midnight
Once more -LRB- as I thought but for an instant -RRB- I paused to examine a gipsy encampment on the border of the wood , and then , reminded by a distant whistle , hurried forward . Alas ! as I dashed into the station the train was slowly turning the corner and I sunk down in an agony of despair and humiliation . ------------------------------------------------------------------------ When I reached home at midnight , my mother met me at the door . `` Well , you are come at last , '' she said quietly . `` Yes , mother ; but father , how is he ? '' `` Come and see him . ''