midnight
From Marian 's windows she had watched the business of carrying on the wild-flower garden that Linda and her father had begun . What the occupation was that kept the light burning in Linda 's room far into the night Marian did not know . For a long time she had supposed that her studies were difficult for her , and when she had asked Linda if it were not possible for her to prepare her lessons without so many hours of midnight study she had caught the stare of frank amazement with which the girl regarded her and in that surprised , almost grieved look she had realized that very probably a daughter of Alexander Strong , who resembled him as Linda resembled him , would not be compelled to overwork to master the prescribed course of any city high school . What Linda was doing during those midnight hours Marian did not know , but she did know that she was not wrestling with mathematics and languages -- at least not all of the time . So Marian knowing Linda 's gift with a pencil , had come to the conclusion that she was drawing pictures ; but circumstantial evidence was all she had as a basis for her conviction . Linda went her way silently and alone . She was acquainted with everyone living in Lilac Valley , frank and friendly with all of them ; aside from Marian she had no intimate friend .