midnight
In the course of that right joyful supper many weighty matters were discussed , and the gentlemen , meseemed , were greatly more troubled than Cousin Maud or I that we should so hastily have parted with sundry matters which should not be lacking in a house of good family , but which , as we had learned by experience , were in no wise needful in life . And many a jesting word was spoken concerning our poor platters and dishes , and tin spoons , and empty stables . The bargain over the wine was declared to be null and void , and my cousin took heart to assure the gentlemen , in right seemly speech , that now again she was happy , when she knew that what she had set before such worshipful and welcome guests was indeed our own , and not another 's . By the time of their departing it was nearer to cockcrow than to midnight ; and when , on the morrow , I went into the chamber in the morning , to look forth into the street , the sun was shining brightly in a blue sky . I minded me with silent thanksgiving of all the good cheer yestereve had brought us , and of the wisdom and faithfulness of our good friends . Many a wise and a witty word uttered over their wine came back to me then ; and I was wondering to myself what new plot had been brewing between my godfather and Uncle Tucher , whereas I had marked them laying their heads together , when behold , the stable-lad from the Tuchers ' coming down the street , leading my own dear bayhorse ; and as I saw him closer I beheld that his mane and flowing tail were plaited up with fine red ribbons . He stood still in front of our door and , when I flew down to greet the faithful beast , the lad gave me a letter wherein nought was written save these Latin words in large letters : `` AMICITIA FIDEI '' which is to say : `` Friendship to Fidelity . ''