midnight
She heard him throw open the shutters and speak to Charon , and , gathering up her hair , which hung loosely about her shoulders , she confined it with a comb and glided noiselessly down the steps . The lamplight gleamed through the open door , and , pausing on the threshold , she asked : `` May I come in for a few minutes , or are you too much fatigued to talk ? '' `` Beulah , I positively forbade your sitting up this late . It is midnight , child ; go to bed . '' He held some papers , and spoke without even glancing toward her . `` Yes , I know ; but I want to ask you something before I sleep . '' `` Well , what is it ? ''