midnight
For some minutes after she had gone Ralph lay quiescent , resting his head on his hand , but gradually his eyes filled with thought , and the line reappeared on his brow , as the pleasant impression of companionship and ancient sympathy waned , and he was left to think on alone . After a time he opened his book , and read on steadily , glancing once or twice at his watch , as if he had set himself a task to be accomplished in a certain measure of time . Now and then he heard voices in the house , and the closing of bedroom doors , which showed that the building , at the top of which he sat , was inhabited in every one of its cells . When midnight struck , Ralph shut his book , and with a candle in his hand , descended to the ground floor , to ascertain that all lights were extinct and all doors locked . It was a threadbare , well-worn house that he thus examined , as if the inmates had grazed down all luxuriance and plenty to the verge of decency ; and in the night , bereft of life , bare places and ancient blemishes were unpleasantly visible . Katharine Hilbery , he thought , would condemn it off-hand . Denham had accused Katharine Hilbery of belonging to one of the most distinguished families in England , and if any one will take the trouble to consult Mr. Galton 's `` Hereditary Genius , '' he will find that this assertion is not far from the truth .