midnight
As he hurried on southwards , his thoughts flew out on this new track . She had made the way clear ; he must go to her , take her , accept her acts with her love . They were one now . It was late , past midnight , when he reached the long cross street that led to the lane of the cottage , and the buzz of the passing cars no longer disturbed the hoarse chorus of frogs . Sommers crept up the lane stealthily to the dark cottage , afraid for what he might find , chilled by the forbidding aspect of the place . Instead of entering the door , he paused by the open window and peered in . Within the gloom of the room he could make out her bent figure , her head fallen forward over her arms .