midnight
------------------------- `` the reward Is in the race we run , not in the prize . '' ROGERS . -LCB- Samuel Rogers -LRB- English poet , 1763-1855 -RRB- , `` Italy : A Character '' lines 39-40 -RCB- MISS PATSEY had never , in her life , been to a regular ball , before this house-warming of Uncle Josie 's ; but not even the novelty of a ball could keep her in bed an hour later than usual . Charlie and herself had returned home some time after midnight , with the Wyllyses ; but the next morning she rose with the chickens , and before the October sun , to pursue , as usual , her daily labours . It was truly surprising how much Patsey Hubbard found time to do in a single day , and that without being one of your fussy , utilitarian busy-bodies , whose activity is all physical , and who look upon half an hour passed in quiet thought , or innocent recreation , as so much time thrown away . Our friend Patsey 's career , from childhood , had been one of humble industry , self-forgetfulness , and active charity ; her time in the gay hours of youth , as well as in the calmer years of mature experience , had been devoted to the welfare and happiness of her parents , her brothers and sisters . From a long habit of considering the wants and pleasures of others first , she always seemed to think of herself last , as a matter of course .