midnight
For a minute Annabel scratched away busily , and this is what Ruth read over her shoulder : `` TO THE NEXT OCCUPANTS OF THIS ROOM `` GREETINGS ! `` To you , whoever you may be -LRB- we hope the best ever -RRB- , Ruth Biddle of Scranton , Pennsylvania , and Annabel Jackson of Nashville , Tennessee , former occupants , do bequeath our good will , our confidence , our social standing -LRB- which is thrown in gratis along with the most expensive room in the school -RRB- , and do entrust to your everlasting protection such of our possessions as you may find useful and necessary . The black cloths , which you will find in this secret hiding-place , fit the transoms over the door and in the bathroom . The candles you will find convenient for midnight feasts and orgies ; the refrigerator indispensable for cold storage ; the box couch excellent for provisions , such as Nabiscos , crackers and cookies . To you also we do bequeath the residue of our estate : the wicker tea-table ; the picture of the Queen Louise ; the china cat on the mantel-piece , which has proved an invaluable mascot . This together with our best wishes , congratulations , and the hope that you will continue to dispense hospitality and radiate good cheer and comfort from these portals . `` Signed : `` Witnessed by : '' `` You do n't mean to say you 're going to give your tea-table to utter strangers , do you , Annabel ? ''