midnight
I 'm actin ' ez orderly an ' messenger ` bout headquarters , but I 'll come ter ye whenever I kin git a chance , an ' keep ye posted . '' This was Friday night . All day Saturday , as long as the light lasted , Rachel stood at the window and watched with sinking heart the steady inflow of the Rebels from the north . That night she and Aunt Debby waited till midnight for Fortner , but he did not come . All day Sunday she stood at her post , and watched the unabated pouring-in on the Nashville pike . Fortner did not come that night . She was downcast , but no shade disturbed the serenity of Aunt Debby 's sweet hymning .