midnight
And at that moment George F. Babbitt turned ponderously in bed -- the last turn , signifying that he 'd had enough of this worried business of falling asleep and was about it in earnest . Instantly he was in the magic dream . He was somewhere among unknown people who laughed at him . He slipped away , ran down the paths of a midnight garden , and at the gate the fairy child was waiting . Her dear and tranquil hand caressed his cheek . He was gallant and wise and well-beloved ; warm ivory were her arms ; and beyond perilous moors the brave sea glittered . THE great events of Babbitt 's spring were the secret buying of real-estate options in Linton for certain street-traction officials , before the public announcement that the Linton Avenue Car Line would be extended , and a dinner which was , as he rejoiced to his wife , not only `` a regular society spread but a real sure-enough highbrow affair , with some of the keenest intellects and the brightest bunch of little women in town . ''