midnight
Then to Lane , `` Not another word ; good-night ; '' and in a moment she was gone . Suwanee never forgot that interview , for it was the beginning of a new and strange experience to her . From the first , her high , chivalric spirit had been compelled to admire her enemy . The unknown manner in which he had foiled her sister 's strategy showed that his mind was equal to his courage , while his hot indignation , when he found them threatened by a midnight marauder , had revealed his nature . Circumstances had swiftly disarmed her prejudices , and her warm heart had been full of sympathy for him as he lay close to the borders of death . All these things tended to throw down the barriers which would naturally interpose between herself and a Northern man . When , therefore , out of a full heart , he revealed his gratitude and homage , she had no shield against the force of his words and manner , and was deeply touched .