midnight
As soon as he cleared out of the place , the men all went away as quick as ever they could , and did n't stop to put out the lights . Each man cleared with himself and never stopped to look behind . And no one cared to play cards in that house afterward any more . That was Tom 's own brother ; and now the poor young man who was going home at midnight saw a light in one of the houses by the road , so he turned toward it , thinking to light his pipe . Just before knocking , he looked in at the window . As soon as he peeped in the light went out on him , and still he could see crowds of people , as thick as grass , just as you see 'em at a fair -- so thick they had n't room to stand -- and they kept swaying back and forth , courtesying like . The kitchen was full , and looking through a door he saw a lot more of fine ladies and gentlemen ; they were laughing and having great fun , running round the table setting out cups and saucers , just as if they were having a ball .