midnight
No , that is n't much better . Well , ` splendid ' will do . '' The busy pen went on scratching until the page was filled , then a second , a third , and still she had not finished . The clock struck midnight , then one ; and with a flourish , Tabitha wrote at the bottom of the tenth closely scribbled page , `` With love , Tabitha , '' sighed with weary satisfaction , folded the sheets neatly , and slipped them into an envelope just as Chrystobel 's eyes opened and the surprised girl inquired sleepily , `` Whatever are you doing , Kitty , up at this time of night ? '' `` Writing a letter . '' `` Could n't you wait until morning ? '' `` No , dear , I have waited too long already , '' answered Tabitha , turning out the light and scrambling back into bed .