midnight
Of my book . '' He went then , and came no more to the cottage till a week later when it was New Year 's Eve . This they celebrated very quietly -- just they three alone . Mary thought it somewhat imprudent for `` old David '' to sit up till midnight in order to hear the bells `` ring out the Old , ring in the New '' -- but he showed a sudden vigorous resolution about it which was not to be gainsaid . `` Let me have my way , my dear , '' -- he implored her -- `` I may never see another New Year ! '' `` Nonsense , David ! '' she said cheerily -- `` You will see many and many a one , please God ! ''