midnight
and she solemnly pointed to the scar . I saw that she was in earnest , and said solemnly : -- `` I promise ! '' and as I said it I felt that from that instant a door had been shut between us . * * * * * _ Later , midnight . _ -- Mina has been bright and cheerful all the evening . So much so that all the rest seemed to take courage , as if infected somewhat with her gaiety ; as a result even I myself felt as if the pall of gloom which weighs us down were somewhat lifted . We all retired early .