midnight
-- The good old gentleman was sitting still and thoughtful . All at once he turned his face toward the window where I stood , and , just as if he had seen me , smiled his benignant smile . It was a recollection of some past pleasant moment ; but it fell upon me like the blessing of a father . I kissed my hand to them all , unseen as I stood in the outer darkness ; and as I turned and went my way , the table and all around it faded into the realm of twilight shadows and of midnight dreams . -------------- And so my year 's record is finished . The Professor has talked less than his predecessor , but he has heard and seen more . Thanks to all those friends who from time to time have sent their messages of kindly recognition and fellow-feeling !