midnight
She had no dream that she could impart a deep joy , by giving forth her young heart 's love to the desolate stranger . The hour had grown late , very late , and Mary Clinton still leaned her head upon the table buried in thoughts , when the bounding step of Alice outside the door aroused her from her revery . She listened , almost hoping to see her friendly face peeping in , but wearied with the enjoyment of the evening , the fair young belle hastened on to her chamber , and her aunt heard the door close . Rising from her seat at the table , Miss Clinton approached a window , and threw back the curtains that the midnight air might steal coolingly over her brow . Her eye fell upon the rich bracelet that clasped her arm , a gift of her brother , and then with a sad smile , she surveyed the pure dress of delicate white she wore . `` Ah ! '' she sighed , `` I am robed for a scene of gayety , but how sad the heart that beats beneath this boddice !