midnight
The great clock over the stables had struck twelve , and sweet chimes had come from the other clock in the little tower of the chapel . The whole house was wrapped in profound slumber . Even Mrs. Haddo had put away all cares , and had laid her head on her pillow ; even the Rev. Edmund Fairfax and his wife had put out the lights in their special wing of the Court , and had gone to sleep . It was shortly after the clocks had done their midnight work that Betty Vivian raised herself very slowly and cautiously on her elbow , and touched Sylvia on her low , white forehead . The little girl started , opened her eyes , and was about to utter an exclamation when Betty whispered , `` Do n't make a sound , silly Sylvia ! It 's only me -- Betty . I want you to get very wide awake .