midnight
`` One man on driver 's seat . That 's all , sir . I 'll come in presently , in case you have anything to send , '' said Plume , and hurried again upstairs . It was barely midnight when Plume 's big black wagon , the Concord , all spring and hickory , as said the post quartermaster , went whirling away behind its strapping team of four huge Missouri mules . It was 12.30 by the guard-house clock and the call of the sentries when Wren came home to find Angela , her long , luxuriant hair tumbling down over her soft , white wrapper , waiting for him at the front door . From her window she had seen him coming ; had noted the earlier departure of the wagon ; had heard the voice of Major Plume bidding good-by , and wondered what it meant -- this midnight start of the senior officer of the post . She had been sitting there silent , studying the glittering stars , and wondering would there be an answer to her note ?