midnight
He would not order them out . Messrs. Sanders and Dot and Jervis could go and see the leader and arrange with him as to terms and men , if they chose , and have their dance . It was n't what the boys expected ; moreover , it was late , but they were young , energetic , and enthusiastic . Three musicians were found and a dozen couples , and long after midnight the lights and laughter and merry strains of music told that the younger element of Scott was enjoying itself irrespective of anything that might be going on at the almost forgotten agency . The chaplain and his wife , going earlier in the evening to call and cheer Almira , were met by Katty at the door and the information that `` the misthress was dinin ' at Mrs. Darlin 's . '' Katty was short with her visitors for two reasons . She did n't approve of the dominie , as he was not of the faith of her Irish fathers , and she did approve of Corporal Lenihan , who had come to spend the evening .