midnight
ejaculated Peace , staring at the accusing faces of her sisters . `` I truly did hear that clock strike as much as five a long time ago . '' `` No doubt you did , '' laughed sunny Hope . `` It struck midnight and you woke up in the middle of the count . '' `` Let 's go back to bed , '' suggested Gail , anxious to be alone with her tumultuous thoughts ; and to her surprise no dissenting voice was raised , although as she crept once more beneath the covers of her cot , she heard Peace say decidedly , `` I sha 'n' t take off _ my _ clothes again . Once a day is enough for any _ huming _ being to dress . Do you s ` pose Santa will come again while we sleep ? ''