Thursday
midnight
And thus were we brought to the morning of Thursday , the sixth since the eventful night when Miriam Arnold 's shriek had alarmed the garrison -- Miriam , whose voice had now been heard a second time , upraised in frantic dread and appeal , but this time for the young soldier who , on the previous Friday night , forgetful of his arrest , had rushed forth at her cry , but this night had to be dragged -- Miriam who now lay sick from maidenly shame that in one wild appeal to save her lover she had so betrayed herself . With Thursday noon came resumption of telegraphic communication , and the long-stalled railway trains from east and west . With Thursday afternoon came `` wires '' from Arnold , the father , begging to know had his daughter started , and back went the electric message that she neither had nor could , nor would for a week -- `` full details by post . '' With Thursday evening came stacks of belated letters , `` with whole bales of newspapers , '' said the stage driver , to follow , and with Thursday midnight , long after every one had gone to bed , there came a tapping at Major Stannard 's storm door , and presently a fumbling at the bell knob , a clanging of the bell . `` What now ? '' thought the sleepy major , as he scuttled down-stairs in slippers and dressing-gown . `` Who 's there ? ''