midnight
`` We 'll come and look for the body in the morning . '' Now it is strongly suspected that both Mopsey and the Captain knew well enough all along that this was Mr. Tiffany Carrack they had been pursuing , and that as they watched him from the distance emerge from the vat , return to the homestead , and skulk , dripping in , like a rat of outlandish breed , at his chamber-window , they were amply avenged : the Captain , for the freedom with which the city-exquisite had treated the Peabody family , especially the good old grandfather , and Mopsey , for the slighting manner in which he had referred to absent young Mas ' r Elbridge . When all was peace again within the homestead , there was one who still watched the night , and ignorant of the nature of this strange tumult , trembled as at the approach of a long-wished for happiness . It was Miriam , the orphan dependent , who now sat by the midnight casement . Oh , who of living men can tell how that young heart yearned at the thought -- the hope -- the thrilling momentary belief -- that this was her absent lover happily returning ? In the wide darkness of the lonesome night , which was it shone brightest and with purest lustre , in view of the all-seeing Mover of the Heavens -- the stars glittering far away in space , in all their lofty glory , or the timid eyes of that simple maiden , wet with the dew of youth , and bright with the pure hope of honest love ! When all was still again , and no Elbridge 's voice was heard , no form of absent Elbridge there to cheer her , oh , who can tell how near to breaking , in its silent agony , was that young heart , and with what tremblings of solicitude and fear , the patient Miriam waited for the friendly light to open the golden-gate of dawn upon another morrow !