midnight
Caroline opened the door softly and was creeping up the old stairs which creaked at every step , when Miss Ethel peered out of her bedroom and caught a glimpse of flame colour beneath the open coat . `` Good night , Miss Ethel , '' said Caroline cheerfully . For a moment Miss Ethel could not bring words over her lips . That Ellen 's niece should return thus at midnight , opening the house door with a latch-key , while she , herself , condoned it , though she disapproved as violently as ever . She felt a sort of tingling shame and resentment like a fighter who has to retreat , as she said in a muffled tone : `` Good night , Caroline . '' _ Chapter VI _ _ Morning Calls _ Miss Ethel was sawing off the dead branch of a tree that threatened to fall on the path when Mrs. Bradford came out of the house and walked slowly across the garden , saying as she passed : `` I do n't know what you want to do that for , Ethel . You look quite overheated .