midnight before
Forgiven by heaven , forgiven on earth . My heart gratefully pardons all your errors toward me and mine . And now , my son , consecrate yourself this day to God 's service , and may your future life be so loyal and noble that he who has been so loving and forbearing to us all and restored you to his favor , may at last crown you with ` Well done , good and faithful servant . ' '' It was past midnight before they became aware of it . Joseph came in to escort Mr. Edward , as he familiarly called him , to his room , but the young man excused himself , since he had engaged a room at the hotel and his baggage was there ; but tomorrow he would come to them . He returned to his lodging , where he slept as he had not slept during one and a half years . The next day was a great occasion at the episcopal residence .