midnight
It is not known from which circumstance the practice of maintaining this light originally sprung . Tradition spoke of it doubtfully . Some thought it was the signal of general hospitality , which , in ancient times , guided the wandering knight , or the weary pilgrim , to rest and refreshment . Others spoke of it as a `` love-lighted watchfire , '' by which the provident anxiety of a former lady of Martindale guided her husband homeward through the terrors of a midnight storm . The less favourable construction of unfriendly neighbours of the dissenting persuasion , ascribed the origin and continuance of this practice to the assuming pride of the family of Peveril , who thereby chose to intimate their ancient _ suzerainté _ over the whole country , in the manner of the admiral who carries the lantern in the poop , for the guidance of the fleet . And in the former times , our old friend , Master Solsgrace , dealt from the pulpit many a hard hit against Sir Geoffrey , as he that had raised his horn , and set up his candlestick on high . Certain it is , that all the Peverils , from father to son , had been especially attentive to the maintenance of this custom , as something intimately connected with the dignity of their family ; and in the hands of Sir Geoffrey , the observance was not likely to be omitted .