midnight
`` You will start , as I understand , at eight , '' remarked the mother , speaking now in earnest . `` You can readily reach Wolf Glen within a couple of hours . There you will rest a while and return as you choose . So I will expect you at midnight . '' `` Unless something happens to prevent . '' The words of Monteith Sterry were uttered jestingly , but they caused a pang to the affectionate parent as she asked : `` What could happen , Monteith ? '' Fred took it upon himself to reply promptly : `` Nothing at all . ''