midnight
So they rode along by the quiet river . Sometimes the stream was hidden by high and mighty trees and willows growing by its bank ; at other times they saw the placid waters , and the moonbeams shining upon it making a pathway of silver light . At last the horses turned into the great gateway , the carriage wheels crunched upon the graveled drive , and soon they were before Viola 's home . It was very late , after midnight . George took his team to the barn , for he would not call up Mose at that time of night . Alice LeMonde and her two girl friends at once went upstairs . Viola opened the drawing-room door , and she and Jasper entered .