midnight
His head was bowed and his arms folded , yet in the strong lines of his body there was no hint of weariness . Well did the Lady Elaine know that until Dawn spun her web of enchantment upon the mysterious loom of the East , he would march sleeplessly before her door , replenishing the fire , listening now and then for her deep breathing , and , upon the morrow , gaily tell her of his dreams . _ _ Dreams they were , indeed , but not the dreams of sleep . Upon these midnight marchings , her sentinel gave his wandering fancy free rein . And because of the dumb pain in his heart , these fancies were all the merrier ; more golden with the sun of laughter , more gemmed with the pearl of tears . _ _ Proud-hearted , yet strangely homesick , the Lady Elaine was restless this night . `` I must go back , '' she thought , `` to the Castle of Content , where my dear father would fain have his child again .