nearly midnight
Abel , passing to and fro , looks at her occasionally , and can not possibly tell if her confusion is pain or pleasure . There is a reckless gayety in the tone with which he speaks to the other ladies . `` Surely Mr. Newt was never so fascinating , '' they all think in their secret souls ; and they half envy Grace Plumer , for they know the little supper is given for her , and they think it needs no sibyl to say why , or to prophesy the future . It is nearly midnight , and the moon is rising . Hark ! A band pours upon the silent night the mellow , passionate wail of `` Robin Adair . '' The bright company stands listening and silent .