midnight
`` Do n't -- do n't ! '' The honest girl 's eyes were full of tears . `` I wonder , now -- '' she began : and I waited , eager for her next words . `` Sure , master 's at cards in the parlor , and 'll be drunk by midnight . Shalt pass the night by the kitchen fire , if only thou make no noise . '' `` But your mistress -- what will she say ? '' `` Is in heaven these two years : and out of master 's speaking distance forever .