midnight
He took up his hat , which had fallen upon the floor . `` If that be so , the sooner that this house is rid of the presence of a stranger and a rebel the better for it , and the happier for you . I thank you for all the kindness you have shown to me , and I bid you , with true affection and respect , farewell ! '' So , without wailing even to go up-stairs for anything belonging to him , and with no further word on either side , Ralph Peden stepped into the clear , sobering midnight , the chill air meeting him like a wall . The stars had come out and were shining frosty-clear , though it was June . And as soon as he was gone out the minister fell on his knees , and so continued all the night praying with his face to the earth . Whatever is too precious , too tender , too good , too evil , too shameful , too beautiful for the day , happens in the night .