midnight
All three girls were now in the wildest state of excitement . Scruples were silenced for the time being . Pauline 's conscience no longer spoke . She felt that a midnight picnic , stolen , partaken of under difficulties , sinned mightily to obtain , had its own inexplicable charm . It was certainly sweet to be naughty ; there was a thrill about it , and a sense of adventure , which goodness never brought . Oh , yes , it was well worth the risk and danger . Her two little sisters partook of Pauline 's feelings .