midnight
And she lay quite still until the thud of their hearts , caused by the strenuous exercise , had given place to the stronger , steadier beat of steadfast love ; then she slipped down , ducked under his arms and was away , and her laugh was caught by the wind and blown back to him as he ran in hot pursuit . `` Write them upon the table of thine heart ! '' -- _ The Bible _ . Leonie 's wrist watch very softly chimed midnight , announcing in gentle tones the birth of her wedding-day , as she sat with her chin in her hands staring out to sea . She frowned and pulled savagely at the band until it broke ; there was a faint crash , and a faint splash , as the watch , hurtling through the air , ricocheted from a rock into a pool as the girl stretched her arms above her head , leant back , and closed her eyes . Her last midnight swim , the last time she would slip the bathing dress over her beautiful virgin body , the last time she would revel in freedom , oh ! the last time of anything decent , and pure , and sweet .