midnight
But -- hark ! The bolt that fastened the house-door was softly drawn , and the latch gently lifted . What _ could _ that mean ? Why was she thus going forth alone , and clandestinely , at midnight ? His heart beat faster than ever . For an instant all that he had read or heard from his wild companions , and what he had himself believed until he came to Gethin , of the wiles and inconstancy of woman , flashed upon his mind . Had he , bred in the town , and familiar with all the ways of vice , been flattered and hoodwinked by a country wanton ?