nearly midnight
cried the boy , piteously . `` I must -- just this , Aleck : I have suffered too , my boy . Another black shadow had come across my darkened life , and in my ignorance I turned against you as I did . Aleck , boy , your uncle asks your forgiveness , and -- now no more , my boy ; it is nearly midnight , and we must try and rest . Can you go to sleep again ? '' `` Yes , uncle , '' cried the boy , eagerly , `` I feel as if it will be easy now . Good-night , uncle . ''