midnight
Then , at the top of the stair , her height accented by her gown of white , stood Marian Devereux , hesitating an instant , as a bird pauses before taking wing , and then laughingly running between the lines to where Olivia faced her in mock abjection . To the charm of the girl in the woodland was added now the dignity of beautiful womanhood , and my heart leaped at the thought that I had ever spoken to her , that I was there because she had taunted me with the risk of coming . -LSB- Illustration : At the top of the stair , her height accented by her gown of white , stood Marian Devereux . -RSB- Above , on the stair landing , a deep-toned clock began to strike midnight and every one cried `` Merry Christmas ! '' and `` Olivia 's won ! '' and there was more hand-clapping , in which I joined with good will . Some one behind me was explaining what had just occurred .