nearly midnight before
-LSB- Illustration -RSB- I always knew what suddenly sweetened his smile from one of triumphant pride to one of tenderness . `` And the old home , Fitz , something must be done there ; we must receive our friends properly . '' Fitz agreed to everything , offering an amendment here , and a suggestion there , until our host 's enthusiasm reached fever heat . It was nearly midnight before the colonel had confided to Fitz all the pressing necessities of the coming day . Even then he followed us both to the door , with parting instructions to Fitz , saying over and over again that it had been the happiest night of his life . And he would have gone bare-headed to the outer gate had not Chad caught him half way down the steps , thrown a coat over his head and shoulders , and gently led him back with : -- '' ` Clar to goodness , Marsa George , what kind foolishness dis yer ? Is you tryin ' to ketch yo ' death ? ''