midnight
So Ralph and Meg helped her up , Ralph wrapping her in her great crimson-barred shawl . Ralph would have kissed her , but Winsome , standing unsteadily clasping Meg 's arm , said tenderly : `` Not to-night . I am not able to bear it . '' It was almost midnight when Ralph and the silent Jock Forrest got Agnew Greatorix into the spring-cart to be conveyed to Greatorix Castle . He lay with his eyes closed , silent . Ralph took Jock Gordon to the manse with him , determined to tell the whole to Mr. Welsh if necessary ; but if it were not necessary , to tell no one more than he could help , in order to shelter Winsome from misapprehension . It says something for Ralph that , in the turmoil of the night and the unavailing questionings of the morning , he never for a moment thought of doubting his love .