midnight
` To be sure you did , ' said the miller heartily . ` A good deal better than biding at home there . ' John said nothing , though she could almost see through the gloom how glad he was that she had altered her mind . When they reached the ridge over which the highway stretched they found many of their neighbours who had got there before them idling on the grass border between the roadway and the hedge , enjoying a sort of midnight picnic , which it was easy to do , the air being still and dry . Some carriages were also standing near , though most people of the district who possessed four wheels , or even two , had driven into the town to await the King there . From this height could be seen in the distance the position of the watering-place , an additional number of lanterns , lamps , and candles having been lighted to - night by the loyal burghers to grace the royal entry , if it should occur before dawn . Mrs. Garland touched Anne 's elbow several times as they walked , and the young woman at last understood that this was meant as a hint to her to take the trumpet-major 's arm , which its owner was rather suggesting than offering to her .