midnight
she replied . `` Then do n't forget it , '' Burleigh said . `` It 's a dreadfully rough way before us , little girl , but we 'll soon be safe from the river . Do n't mind this little bit of a storm , and you 'll get personally conducted into Lagonda Ledge before midnight . '' In her sheltered life , Elinor had never known anything half so dreadful as this storm and darkness and booming flood , but the fearlessness of the strong man beside her inspired her to do her best . It was only two hours since they were here before . How could she know that these two hours had marked the crisis of a lifetime for Victor Burleigh .