midnight
Having ordered the barrel to be stowed away , I soon settled my visitor comfortably in an armchair by the fire , with a cup of his favorite cocoa by his side . `` And now , my dear , '' said he , `` tell me about this burglary that has taken place , and which has made you look as if you wanted me to take care of you a while , and bring back some color to your pale cheeks . And what about this boy ? Is it the same queer little fellow who chose midnight to play his pranks in once before ? I 'm not often deceived in a face , and I thought his was an honest one . I '' -- `` So it was , '' I interrupted ; `` do n't say a word until I 've told you all , and you will '' -- I had scarcely begun speaking , when a succession of the most fearful screams arose from down-stairs , each rising louder and louder , in the extreme of terror . My sister , who had gone to her room , rushed down to me ; the girls , in their dressing-gowns , just as they were preparing for bed , followed , calling out , `` Auntie !