midnight
Mistress Deborah 's voice was raised in shrill reproach , and the drunken minister answered her with oaths . The small house rang with their quarrel , but Audrey listened with indifference ; not trembling and stopping her ears , as once she would have done . It was over at last , and the place sunk in silence ; but still the girl waited and listened , standing close to the door . At last , as it was drawing toward midnight , she put her hand upon the latch , and , raising it very softly , slipped outside . Heavy breathing came from the room where slept her guardians ; it went evenly on while she crept downstairs and unbarred the outer door . Sure and silent and light of touch , she passed like a spirit from the house that had given her shelter , nor once looked back upon it . The boat , hidden in the reeds , was her destination ; she loosed it , and taking the oars rowed down the creek .