midnight
he said as the gurgler printed a wet kiss on his left ear and regarded him with rapture while the small cooer , proclaimed as feminine by neck and sleeve ribbons , cuddled against his shoulder with soft confidence . `` They 're going to take you both down to the river and drown you , '' he confided with a soft note in his voice that was an answer to the coo . `` I wish you would , '' said Mark , as , with a laugh , he shook my hand extended from the group around me , composed of Nell and the other three kiddies , all crowded together in one passionate greeting . `` Nurse and Julia and the house and garden man have all gone to a wedding , so we have fed 'em and are now starting out for a razoo , and we do n't care whether it lasts until midnight or not . Young Charlotte , you hug one side of your Aunt Charlotte and let Jimmy get his innings on the other side . Here , break away , all of you ! '' and while everybody laughed , Mark disentangled the greetings , and seated the separated juvenile members in a row on the steps beside the parson and the two babes .