midnight
`` Such is the necessity , which must be as apparent to you as to me . Do not doubt my friendship , Mr. Aubrey ; but doubt the propriety of my parading it before the world . '' He bent his cheek down on her cold hand , then raised it to his lips once , twice -- laid it back on her lap , and taking his hat , walked away toward town . For some time she remained just as Russell had left her ; then the white arms and dry eyes were raised to the midnight sky . `` My God ! my God ! strengthen me in my desolation ! ''