midnight
Still clinging to Gertrude , the poor girl , to whose relief tears came at last , sobbed herself to sleep . Gertrude , though nearly the same age as Kitty , had seen too much trouble to enjoy in times of disquiet the privilege of sinking easily to repose . She felt under the necessity , too , of remaining awake until Isabel 's return , that she might inform her what had become of Kitty , whom she would be sure to miss from the room which they both occupied . It was past midnight when Mrs. Graham and her niece returned home , and Gertrude went immediately to inform the latter that her cousin was asleep in her room . The noise of the carriage , however , had awakened the sleeper , and when Gertrude returned she was rubbing her eyes , and trying to collect her thoughts . Suddenly the recollection of the scene of the evening flashed upon her , and with a deep sigh she exclaimed , `` Oh , Gertrude , I have been dreaming of Mr. Bruce ! Should you have thought he would have treated me so ? ''