midnight
The forms of men and women , are seen to flit athwart the shining windows , all busy about something . There is no mystery in the matter . It is simply the planter , with his people , occupied in preparation for the morrow 's moving . Openly , and without restraint : for , although so near the mid hour of night , it is no midnight flitting . The only individual , who appears to act surreptitiously , is a young girl ; who , coming out by the back door of the dwelling , makes away from its walls in gliding gait -- at intervals glancing back over her shoulder , as if in fear of being followed , or observed . Her style of dress also indicates a desire to shun observation ; for she is cloaked and close hooded . Not enough to ensure disguise , though she may think so .