midnight
Cynthia , on the contrary , staked high , and was at one time very rich , but ended by being in debt to Molly something like six shillings . She had forgotten her purse , she said , and was obliged to borrow from the more provident Molly , who was aware that the round game of which Miss Browning had spoken to her was likely to require money . If it was not a very merry affair for all the individuals concerned , it was a very noisy one on the whole . Molly thought it was going to last till midnight ; but punctually , as the clock struck nine , the little maid-servant staggered in under the weight of a tray loaded with sandwiches , cakes , and jelly . This brought on a general move ; and Roger , who appeared to have been on the watch for something of the kind , came and took a chair by Molly . `` I am so glad to see you again -- it seems such a long time since Christmas , '' said he , dropping his voice , and not alluding more exactly to the day when she had left the Hall . `` It is a long time , '' she replied ; `` we are close to Easter now .