midnight
The Countess loved an occasional rhyme when a point was to be made , and went off nodding and tripping till the time for stateliness arrived , near the breakfast-room door . She indeed was acting . At the bottom of her heart there was a dismal rage of passions : hatred of those who would or might look tailor in her face : terrors concerning the possible re-visitation of the vengeful Sir Abraham : dread of Evan and the efforts to despise him : the shocks of many conflicting elements . Above it all her countenance was calmly , sadly sweet : even as you may behold some majestic lighthouse glimmering over the tumult of a midnight sea . An unusual assemblage honoured the breakfast that morning . The news of Mrs. Bonner 's health was more favourable . How delighted was the Countess to hear that !