midnight
The night had cleared ; there was a high wind and many stars . In Rand 's dining-room the three men sat late over the wine and the questions that had brought them together , but at last the conference was somewhat stormily over . Burr and Adam Gaudylock left the house together , the hunter volunteering to guide the stranger to his inn . It was midnight , and Colonel Burr did not see his hostess . He sent her courtly messages , and he pressed Rand 's hand somewhat too closely , then with his most admirable military air and frankest smile , thrust his arm through Gaudylock 's and marched away . Rand closed the door , put down the candle that he held , and turned into the drawing-room . Before the dying fire he found Jacqueline in her white gown , the amethysts about her throat , and her scarf of silver gauze fallen from her hand upon the floor .