midnight
But Matty gave him no time for thought . She was again busy with his ear ; and the next exhibition he made was of an opposite character -- a strange expression was upon his face , and he slapped her upon the back in the extravagance of a feeling that , whether betokening good-humour or not , seemed to have no bounds . In a short time , the house was as quiet as Grimalkin himself could have wished it , when bent on a hunting foray . All had apparently gone to bed , and the stillness continued till considerably after midnight . A slow tap at the kitchen-door showed that one individual at least was astir . `` Mary , Mary , are you awake ? '' said a voice , that at least was uninterrupted by a cough .