midnight
He did not know why he had this feeling -- perhaps it was the talk of the Club about the Cove , or his own certain conviction that matters at the House were rapidly approaching a crisis . Yes , his own protests were of no avail -- things must move , and perhaps , after all , it were better that they should . Bethel came in , and as usual joined the group at the fire without a word ; he looked at the pedlar curiously and then seemed to recognise him -- then he went up to him and soon they were in earnest conversation . It grew late , and at the stroke of midnight Newsome rose to shut up the house . `` I will go back with you , '' Bethel said to Harry , and they walked to the door together . For a moment Harry turned back . The girl was bending over the sailor -- her arms were round his neck , and his head was tilted back to meet her mouth ; the pedlar was putting his wares into his pack again , but some pieces of yellow and blue silk had escaped him and lay on the floor at his feet ; down the street three of the sailors were tramping home , and the chorus of a chanty died away as they turned the corner .