midnight
Please unfasten my clothes and then leave them as they are . You must not sleep on the floor . Roll in the hall sofa , and it will make a nice bed . '' There was no alternative , and when Mr. Hargrove returned at midnight , he deemed it useless to reprimand or expostulate , as Regina declared herself very comfortable , and pleaded for permission to remain until morning . Looking very sad and careworn , the pastor stood for some minutes leaning on his gold-headed cane . As he bade her goodnight and turned from the lounge , she put her hand on the cane . `` Please , sir , lend me this until morning .