nearly midnight
It was all so simple . But it was just such as these people understood and appreciated . It was the outward sign of the profound bond which held them all in a land that is eternally inhospitable . It was nearly midnight when the party broke up . Farewells were said and the men departed . Jessie , herself , closed the heavy door upon the last of them . Alec bade his mother and sister good-night , and betook himself to his belated rest .