midnight
The storm did not abate in its fury ; night-birds flapped their wings through the storm overhead ; owls shrieked in the distance from the swaying tree-tops ; yet the child walked slowly home , knowing no fear . In the house lights were moving to and fro , while servants , with bated breath and light footfalls , hurried through the long corridors toward her father 's room . No one seemed to notice Pluma , in her dripping robe , creeping slowly along by their side toward her own little chamber . It was quite midnight when her father sent for her . Pluma suffered him to kiss her , giving back no answering caress . `` I have brought some one else to you , my darling , '' he said . `` See , Pluma -- a new mamma !