midnight
While Lumley was conversing , the little gate that made the communication between the gardens and the neighbouring churchyard , through which was the nearest access to the village , creaked on its hinges , and the quiet and solitary figure of Lady Vargrave threw its shadow over the grass . AND I can listen to thee yet , Can lie upon the plain ; And listen till I do beget That golden time again . -- WORDSWORTH . IT was past midnight -- hostess and guests had retired to repose -- when Lady Vargrave 's door opened gently . The lady herself was kneeling at the foot of the bed ; the moonlight came through the half-drawn curtains of the casement , and by its ray her pale , calm features looked paler , and yet more hushed . Evelyn , for she was the intruder , paused at the threshold till her mother rose from her devotions , and then she threw herself on Lady Vargrave 's breast , sobbing as if her heart would break . Hers were the wild , generous , irresistible emotions of youth .