midnight
One meeting the wayward girl on the lawn for a moment , or spending a few hours in the house with her , would have been deceived , as Mr. Grant had been , for her black eyes were full of animation ; her manner was spirited , and her answers were quick and sharp . She was light and rather graceful in form ; she did not appear to walk ; she flashed about like a meteor . She was bold and daring in her flights , and as strong as most boys of her years . She would not run away from a rude boy ; she laughed in the thunder storm , and did not fear to go through the glen at midnight . Bertha and Fanny had gone up to Hudson to spend a few days with the family of Mr. Sherwood 's father , previous to their departure for Europe . This visit had been talked about for a fortnight , and the wayward girl knew that it was to take place . Contrary to her usual custom , she made the fairest of promises to her kind mistress , who , from this very readiness , suspected her sincerity ; and her fears were more than realized .