midnight
`` So you came home , after all , '' she said . For a moment he made no response ; then , glancing about him in the darkness , he spoke in a low voice , as if fearing the sound of his own words . `` Bad news brought me home , Julia , '' he replied , `` At the tavern they told me a message had come to Leicesterburg from Harper 's Ferry . An attack was made on the arsenal at midnight , and , it may be but a rumour , my dear , it was feared that the slaves for miles around were armed for an uprising . '' His voice faltered , and he put out his hand to steady her , but she looked up at him and he saw her clear eyes shining in the gloom . `` Oh , poor creatures , '' she murmured beneath her breath . `` Julia , Julia , '' he said softly , and lifted the lantern that he might look into her face .