midnight
It was always the same confident , aggressive stride , the walk of the master . Although the sun had dropped behind the twin giants and the haze of the night was on , Hugh 's faithful attendant carried the umbrella over his head . The new Izor said , more than once , that , having taught the fellow to carry the protector , he could not unteach him . Were it darkest midnight the umbrella was produced and carried with as much serenity as when the sun broiled and toasted at midday . When the returning band of laborers was half way across Velvet Valley , Tennys , as was her wont , left her hammock and went forth to meet the man beneath the white sunshade . His pace quickened and his face brightened as she drew near . The hatless , graceful figure in white came up to him with the cry : `` Why are you so late ?