midnight
Samson went to a store and bought a new dress and sundry bits of finery for Sarah . He returned to New Salem with a heavy heart . He dreaded to meet his faithful partner and bring her little but disappointment . The windows were lighted when he got back , long after midnight . Sarah stood in the open door as he drove up . `` Did n't come , '' he said mournfully . Without a word , Sarah followed him to the barn , with the tin lantern in her hand .