midnight
Then she faltered , -- `` Yes . '' She still looked up at him ; and then , in spite of her happiness , or perhaps because of it , she suddenly began to cry softly , and forgot she had been angry at all , as he took her into his strong , kind arms . The morning of the garden-party arose bright and clear , and Slowbridge awakened in a great state of excitement . Miss Chickie , having worked until midnight that all her orders might be completed , was so overpowered by her labors as to have to take her tea and toast in bed . At Oldclough varied sentiments prevailed . Lady Theobald 's manner was chiefly distinguished by an implacable rigidity . She had chosen , as an appropriate festal costume , a funereal-black _ moire antique _ , enlivened by massive fringes and ornaments of jet ; her jewelry being chains and manacles of the latter , which rattled as she moved , with a sound somewhat suggestive of bones .