midnight
As the major paused at the door , Mrs. -- had no choice but to invite him to come in and stay to dinner , adding that this was the last day of the Nevilles ' and Mrs. Rothsay 's sojourn at the fort . The major thanked the lady , and followed her into the drawing room , where he sat talking to the colonel , while the ladies went to their rooms to lay off their bonnets and cloaks . They came down only when called by the bell to the early Sunday dinner . As this was the last day of the guests ' stay at Fort Leavenworth , many of the officers dropped in to say good by ; so that the party sat up rather later than usual , and it was near midnight when they retired to rest . Corona did not go to bed at once . She sat from twelve to one writing a letter to her Uncle Clarence , not knowing how the next was to be mailed to him . The next morning was so clear , bright , and beautiful that every one said that it must be the perfection of Indian summer .