midnight
They were sitting on the sill of a deep window in what had once been one of the most fashionable mansions of the city . The sash was raised , and the light of the moon fell full upon their young faces . They ceased speaking after Mantel had uttered those solemn words , and looked out over the housetops to the water of the great river . It was long after midnight , and not a sound broke the stillness . Fleecy clouds were drifting across the sky , and a vessel under full sail was going silently down the river toward the open sea . They had involuntarily clasped each other 's hands , and as their hearts opened and disclosed their secrets they were drawn closer and closer together until their arms stole about each other 's necks . For a few brief moments they were boys again .