midnight
She was too proud to bring up the subject of what had occurred on shore , and Tom 's sense of delicacy prevented him from trying to discuss the disagreeable scene she had precipitated with her . Once on board their boat the girls were unusually quiet , and preparations for bed that night were accompanied by little conversation . Knowing Madge 's disposition , and that she was already suffering deeply from her too frank expression of opinion that afternoon , her friends had decided among themselves to allow the subject to rest . It was long after midnight , and the `` Merry Maid '' and her crew were supposedly deep in slumber when Miss Jenny Ann was awakened by the sound of low sobbing from Madge 's berth . A moment later the chaperon was bending over the little captain . `` Madge , dear , what is the matter ? '' she asked in alarm .