midnight
But a considerable time elapsed before supper , and Mr. Coventry spent this time in making love rather ardently , and Grace in defending herself rather feebly . It was nearly eleven o'clock when Mr. Raby rejoined them , and they all went in to supper . There were candles lighted on the table and a few here and there upon the walls ; but the room was very somber : and Mr. Raby informed them this was to remind them of the moral darkness , in which the world lay before that great event they were about to celebrate . He then helped each of them to a ladleful of frumety , remarking at the same time , with a grim smile , that they were not obliged to eat it ; there would be a very different supper after midnight . Then a black-letter Bible was brought him , and he read it all to himself at a side-table . After an interval of silence so passed there was a gentle tap at the bay window . Mr. Raby went and threw it open , and immediately a woman 's voice , full , clear , and ringing , sang outside : `` The first Noel the angels did say , Was to three poor shepherds , in fields as they lay , In fields where they were keeping their sheep , On a cold winter 's night that was so deep .