midnight
When I say _ we _ , of course I mean Aunt Deborah and myself . We live together , as I hope we always shall do , as Aunt Deborah says , till `` one of us is married . '' And notwithstanding the difference of our ages we get on as comfortably as any two forlorn maidens can . Though a perfect fairy palace within , our stronghold is guarded by no giant , griffin , dragon , or dwarf ; nothing more frightful than a policeman , whose measured tread may be heard at the midnight hour pacing up and down beneath our windows . `` It 's a great comfort , '' says Aunt Deborah , `` to know that assistance is close at hand . I am a lone woman , Kate , and I confess to feeling nervous when I lie awake . '' I quite agree with my aunt , though I 'm not nervous , but I must say I like the idea of being watched over during the hours of sleep ; and there is something romantic in hearing the regular tramp of the sentinel whilst one is curled up snug in bed .