midnight
I had one while I was -- '' `` Five uncle ; indeed and indeed . '' `` Well , then , as I hate the prejudice which attaches luck to an odd number , I 'll have a sixth to show that I am not superstitious . '' While Mary was preparing the sixth jorum , there came a knock at the door . Those late summonses were hateful to Mary 's ear , for they were usually the forerunners of a midnight ride through the dark lanes to some farmer 's house . The doctor had been in the saddle all day , and , as Janet brought the note into the room , Mary stood up as though to defend her uncle from any further invasion on his rest . `` A note from the house , miss , '' said Janet : now `` the house , '' in Greshamsbury parlance , always meant the squire 's mansion . `` No one ill at the house , I hope , '' said the doctor , taking the note from Mary 's hand .