midnight
`` He stayed until all of us were in bed , and I 'd never have known when he came in , if it were not a habit of his always to come to my door to see if I 'm sleeping . Sometimes I 'm wakeful , and if he pommels my pillow good , brings me a drink , and rubs my head a few strokes with his strong , cool hands , I can settle down and have a good night 's rest . I was awake when he came , or I 'd never have known . It was almost midnight ; but they sat two hours at the table , and then all of them rode . '' `` Not the Missus ? '' `` Oh no ! She 's not strong enough .