midnight
All her frowning , bewildered self-analysis could not explain the whirlpool of sensations into which she had fallen , which alternately buffeted her with vague unhappiness and drew her along to ecstasies . She did not realize that all her dreams of a splendid Lover had become mixed up with the family legend about `` taking the man she needed '' and had crystallized round Louis , the first man to waken physical passion for her . In a warm rapture up here on the house-top in the still night air her conscious mind went to sleep ; she lived her dreams . And Louis did not understand ; out of the reach of temptation for three weeks , he felt very strong ; her tenderness , her passionate love flattered him : he became a very fine fellow indeed in his own eyes as he lay there , half asleep , under the silver and purple of the midnight sky . He must be a very fine fellow -- so he argued -- if she could love him . She had won his reluctant admiration long before she had wakened his love . `` She 's a queer stick , '' he told himself drowsily , `` and a perfect darling .