midnight
`` She need n't have gone away , '' he said . `` I 'd have got something . '' He sat a long while without rocking , and added quite clearly , out loud : `` I tried , did n't I ? '' At midnight he was still rocking , staring at the floor . Installed in her comfortable room , Carrie wondered how Hurstwood had taken her departure . She arranged a few things hastily and then left for the theatre , half expecting to encounter him at the door . Not finding him , her dread lifted , and she felt more kindly toward him .