midnight
it was a caution if the foundations of the village did n't give way altogether , and everything and everybody go toppling over into Treasure Valley ! As if this were not excitement enough for a lifetime , right on top of all that night 's adventures came another shock . When the population of Elmbrook returned , after the rescue of the doctor , Sawed-Off Wilmott rushed through the village , wild-eyed , with the astounding news that Ella Anne Long had disappeared with the ne'er - do-weel from Glenoro ! Granny Long lifted her voice above the general family bewailment to declare that it was all Si 's fault , for taking the spyglass with him when he went to hunt the doctor ; for if she had had it , Ella Anne would never have got away without her knowledge -- no , not even though it was black midnight ! So there was a runaway match from Elmbrook on the first of June , after all , even though little Miss Arabella was to be married in the proper fashion . She was thankful for all the excitement and the talk and the running to and fro , for they made it possible to keep her own proposed elopement a profound secret . That Arabella should be preparing , all unsuspected , for her wedding day was a surprise , of course , to every one , especially Susan ; but deep secrecy in such affairs was the general rule , and caused no especial comment .