midnight
But neither on that morrow nor yet the next day came her opportunity . The gallant fellow who had lain there for days , dumb and patient , but a barrier to her plans , had taken a turn for the worse , and she was again denied admission . Then came the tidings that the barrier was removed , the long fight was over ; and the heartless woman actually rejoiced . Now at last she could talk to Will Gray ; and when midnight came she knew that now at last she must , for Frank Garrison , worn and weary , returning late from the front , briefly announced that General Drayton purposed visiting the hospital the following afternoon , and long before noon -- long before visiting hours , in fact , she was there with flowers as winsome as her smile , and some jelly as dainty as her own fair hands . She was there , and the instant the hour sounded was ushered in , and Billy Gray , propped on his pillows , was writing to his father , and alone . No time was to be lost . Any moment the attendant might return .