midnight
The eyes of the two women met for the first time since they had parted in tears . And Cally , seeing her mother 's bereaved face , had to crush down a sudden almost overpowering impulse toward explanation , reconciliation at any cost . However , she did crush it down . There was nothing to explain , as mamma had pointed out in the midnight . Mrs. Heth cleared her throat , though her voice seemed sufficiently strong . `` I understood from Flora that you were getting up this morning , '' said she , `` so this seemed the appropriate time for me to see you , and learn something about your plans , regarding your future . '' `` My plans ? ''