midnight
She had to go through it all , and she shuddered a little as she ran , thinking of that one priceless , deathless forest day when he had kissed her first . But the pleasure-people were all busied with their mirth and mischief , and took no notice of the little gray figure in the starry night . She went on along the grassy roads , under the high arching trees , with the hoot of the owls and the cry of the rabbits on the stillness . At Groenendael , in the heart of the forest midnight was striking as she entered the village . Every one was asleep . The lights were all out The old ruined priory frowned dark under the clouds . She shivered a little again , and began to feel chill and tired , yet did not dare to knock at any one of the closed house doors -- she had no money .