midnight
`` She will not leave home while her father lives ; whether we shall be married while he is so ill , I can not say . Much depends on circumstances . Her father is a very sick man , though owing to his cheerfulness the fact is not apparent to everyone . '' The conversation was carried on until the clock struck the midnight hour . Hugh seemed to lay bare his heart to his successful rival , and Guy listened in surprise to the account of his many efforts to win Dexie 's favor , even so far as to tell of the unfortunate boat sail and its consequences . Guy 's heart was full of pity as he listened . How much Hugh loved her when , in spite of the rebuffs and scornful refusals , he could be so blinded by passion as to dare attempt to win a promise by such rash and desperate means !