midnight
`` I 've done everything to the bedstead I can think of , '' Gilbert said , on coming downstairs . `` You can see how it works to-night , Cousin Ann ! '' As a matter of fact it _ did _ work , instead of remaining in perfect quiet as a well-bred bedstead should . When the family was sound asleep at midnight a loud crash was heard , and Cousin Ann , throwing open the door of her room , speedily informed everybody in the house that her bed had come down with her , giving her nerves a shock from which they probably would never recover . `` Gilbert is far too young for the responsibilities you put upon him , Margaret , '' Cousin Ann exclaimed , drawing her wrapper more closely over her tall spare figure ; `` and if he was as old as Methuselah he would still be careless , for he was born so ! All this talk about his being skilful with tools has only swollen his vanity . A boy of his age should be able to make a bedstead stay together . ''