midnight
The manner of her greeting was delightful to one who had faced death for her sake many times during the past hour , yet Hozier was so surprised by its warmth that he could find never a word at the moment . But he had the good sense to throw aside the shattered rifle and return her embrace with interest . Long ago exhausted in body , his mind reeled now under the bewildering knowledge that this most gracious woman did truly love him . When they parted in that same squalid hut at midnight , he took with him the intoxication of her kiss . Yet he scarce brought himself to believe that the night 's happenings were real , or that they two would ever meet again on earth . And now , here was Iris quivering against his breast . He could feel the beating of her heart .