midnight
`` But things of that kind never do happen opportunely , '' Lord Dawne rejoined . Just as he spoke , however , a brilliant flash of lightning lit up vividly the precipitous side of the hill and the whole valley beneath them for a moment . `` Let us hope it is a happy omen , '' said Dr. Galbraith . Toward midnight , the various members of the household who were privileged to be present at the coming ceremony began to assemble in the chapel ; but the very first to arrive found that the Heavenly Twins were before them , and had secured the best seats for seeing and hearing . The chapel was dim and even dark at the corners and at the farther end , there being no light except from the candles which were burning upon the altar . Four priests were kneeling before it at the rails , and a fifth came out of the sacristy presently , and passed in . It was Father Ricardo , and as he made the genuflection , it was seen that his face was irradiated by profound emotion .