midnight
`` The sweetest part of all the splendid surprise is that they remembered me just at the busiest time , and thanked me in such a lovely way . I shall keep that glass slipper all my life , if I can , to remind me not to despair ; for just when everything seemed darkest , all this good luck came , '' said Jessie , with ecstatic skips as she clanked the brass heels of her boots and thought of the proud moment when she would join in the tzardas before all Boston . Gentle Laura rejoiced and sympathized heartily , sewed like a busy bee , and sent her happy sister away at seven o'clock with her sweetest smile , never letting her suspect what tender hopes and fears were hidden in her own heart , what longing and disappointment made her days doubly sad and lonely , or how very poor a consolation all the glories of the Kirmess would be for the loss of a friend who had grown very near and dear to her . No need to tell the raptures of that evening to little Jessie , who enjoyed every moment , played her part well , and was brought home at midnight ready to begin all over again , so inexhaustible is youth 's appetite for pleasure . To her great surprise , Laura was up and waiting to welcome her , with a face so full of a new and lovely happiness that Jessie guessed at once some good fortune had come to her also . Yes , Laura 's well-earned reward and beautiful surprise had arrived at last ; and she told it all in a few words as she held out her arms exclaiming , -- `` He has come back ! He loves me , and I am so happy !