midnight
He and Annie guarded her fiercely . They would not let anybody come to see her , and the neighbours were offended . After a while Paul went out of the house , and played cards at a friend 's . It was midnight when he got back . His father rose from the couch as he entered , saying in a plaintive way : `` I thought tha wor niver comin ' , lad . '' `` I did n't think you 'd sit up , '' said Paul . His father looked so forlorn .