nearly midnight
So , at the last , she made him strong and confident in hopes for the future , because God is love , and the circumstances that separated them were of His ordering . And Christine would think no ill of God , she was sure that life and death , and all things God ordained , were divinely good ; and her influence overarched and enveloped Cluny , and perhaps for the first time , the real meaning of life and its difficulties pealed through his heart and brain . Then as they were talking , Ruleson returned , and Ruleson , liking Cluny well , was rejoiced to see him , and they talked together with the greatest interest , while Christine placed upon the table the simple luxuries she had prepared for this anticipated meal . It was indeed a wonderfully happy meal , prolonged by interesting conversation till nearly midnight , for Ruleson wanted to hear all Cluny could tell about the Mediterranean , and Cluny was pleased to listen to Ruleson 's enthusiastic description of the good work the school was doing . When Cluny at length rose to depart , Ruleson asked the date of his ship 's next visit to Glasgow , and then promised to meet him there , and to bring Christine with him for a two or three days ' pleasuring . Cluny was delighted , for though Christine only shook her head and smiled , he believed that in some way or other the visit could be managed . And Margot was enthusiastic about it .