nearly midnight
perhaps it would be better if we were all such fools . '' But no one took any notice of his remark , for he was never considered to have been endowed with his full complement of sense , though his pure and unblemished life had caused him to be chosen deacon . `` Well , '' said Jos again , as he reached his own shop door , `` I always knew Garthowen 's pride would come down some day ; but I never , never thought he was such a fool ! '' It was nearly midnight , and still Sara and Morva sat over the fire in earnest conversation . The March wind roared in the chimney , the sound of the sea came up the valley . Outside , under the night sky , the furze and broom bushes waved and bowed to each other , and in the sheltered cwrt the daffodils under the hedge nodded and swayed in the wind ; but the two women inside the cottage were too much engrossed in their conversation , and with their thoughts , to notice the wildness of the night . Often they sat in silence , broken by occasional words of sorrow .