midnight
The negresses , also , appeared , with their kinky hair done up in multitudes of `` horns , '' and tied with bits of the most extravagant-colored ribbon that their wearers possessed . Every one was attired in his best , as though on a holiday occasion , which , in truth , this was . `` Dar dey come ! '' A six-year-old piece of midnight suddenly made this announcement in a shrill treble key , and all eyes were turned at once towards the highway . A carriage and a span of blacks were sweeping up the road . Mrs. Grundy gave some orders in a low , yet positive tone , and in a trice two rows of slaves were standing along each side of the avenue . They were going to give her a royal welcome .