The summer midnight
Beth shrugged her shoulders resignedly , folded her hands , and waited , more interested in him as a human specimen in spite of herself than disturbed by anything his attitude foreboded . There was a bright wood fire burning on the hearth . Mrs. Kilroy liked to have one to welcome her when they had been out late , not for warmth so much as for cheerfulness . The summer midnight was chilly enough , however , for the gentle heat to be grateful ; and Beth turned to the blaze and gazed into it tranquilly . The clock on the mantelpiece struck one . Roberts brought in a tray with refreshments on it , and set it down on a small table beside Beth . Before she helped herself she asked Mr. Pounce what he would have , but he curtly declined to take anything .