midnight
This , of course , was the completion of the message ; for it was not now difficult to supply those letters which , through my tardy awakening , I had missed . My heart bounded high with joy and exultation . Sanguinely as I had anticipated a favorable verdict at Jessie 's hands , my utmost hopes had never asked for such a frank and instant admission of her preference as this . To be reminded , at the very first stroke of the midnight hour , that the important day for decision had arrived : what was this but being told that the day should bring its blessing with it ? -- that Jessie herself had awaited its approach as eagerly as I had , feeling as acutely the delay ? -- that now there should be no more disguise or misconstruction between us ? Christmas had come !