nearly midnight
To his astonishment , he found the church in a blaze of lights . Through the wide open door could be seen the sanctuary and altar , brilliantly illuminated with tapers and decorated with flowers , as though in anticipation of some imposing ceremony , while grouped in the street and surrounding windows , a throng of curiosity seekers and belated wayfarers excitedly discussed the approaching event . `` They can not delay much longer , '' observed one . `` No , for it is nearly midnight , '' rejoined another . `` Rather a strange hour for a marriage . '' `` Undoubtedly ; but with such a dowry one can afford peculiar things . '' `` Who is to be married at this odd hour ? ''