midnight
There was , however , no backdoor to the cottage , and in an instant the boy had lifted the latch to Mrs. Lodge 's gentle knock . ` I see I have come to the right house , ' said she , glancing at the lad , and smiling . ` But I was not sure till you opened the door . ' The figure and action were those of the phantom ; but her voice was so indescribably sweet , her glance so winning , her smile so tender , so unlike that of Rhoda 's midnight visitant , that the latter could hardly believe the evidence of her senses . She was truly glad that she had not hidden away in sheer aversion , as she had been inclined to do . In her basket Mrs. Lodge brought the pair of boots that she had promised to the boy , and other useful articles . At these proofs of a kindly feeling towards her and hers Rhoda 's heart reproached her bitterly .