midnight
Do n't put it off , for every fleeting moment binds me to you with an added tie , which makes it harder to lose you . '' `` Richard , '' and , lifting up her head , Edith looked into the eyes she could not meet before , `` I swear to you , solemnly , that never , by word or deed , will I seek to be released from our engagement , and if I am released , it will be because you give me up of your own free will . You will be the one to break it , not I. '' `` Then it will not be broken , '' came in a quick response from Richard , as he held closer to him one whom he now felt to be his forever . The lamps upon the table , and the candles on the mantel flashed and smoked , and almost died away -- the fire on the marble hearth gave one or two expiring gasps and then went out -- the hands of the clock moved onward , pointing to long after midnight , and still Richard , loth to let his treasure go , kept her with him , talking to her of his great happiness , and asking if early June would be too soon for her to be his bride . `` Yes , yes , much too soon , '' cried Edith . `` Give me the whole summer in which to be free . I 've never been any where you know .