midnight
Now the boy felt that he could not sleep , at least for many hours ; and since their mother had whispered to them that Brother Fabian was to share their room , since he said it was his duty to keep watch upon the boys till next morning , it seemed well to leave his bed for the drowsy monk , aid keep vigil himself in the silent chantry . The brother looked puzzled when he heard what one of his young charges proposed to do . Edred looked him full in the face as he answered : `` Brother Emmanuel taught us that it were not well that all within the house should be sleeping . We know not when the Lord may appear -- at midnight , at cock crowing , or in the morning ; and methinks whenever He may come , He would gladly find one soul holding vigil and waiting for His appearing . Lock the door of the chantry upon me , my father . Thou canst see that there is but the one door by which we may come or go . If thou fearest to leave me here , lock the door upon me until such time as it pleases thee to release me . ''