midnight
More surprised now than frightened , Dorothy shoved back the heavy bolt and gently opened the huge door . `` I had no idea of startling you , '' began Tom , without waiting for her to speak , `` but I have been so anxious ! I 've been watching the house , and when I saw the light flash upstairs I felt as if something must have happened . The doctor said by midnight -- '' `` Oh ! '' exclaimed Dorothy , now realizing the cause of Tom 's unexpected visit , `` I was coming downstairs to see how he was . If you just wait I 'll peek in at the door and see . Wo n't you step inside ? ''