midnight
In the turning of this humble worm , Eleanor felt in some vague way a justification of her own rebellion . His departure , however , did not tend to clear the domestic atmosphere . By the time Madam had settled the plumbing question and expressed her opinion of Tom and all his race , she was in no mood to deal leniently with the shortcomings of a headstrong young granddaughter . `` Well , '' she said , addressing her at last , `` why did n't you make it midnight ? '' `` It 's only a little after five . '' Eleanor knew she was putting up a feeble defense , and her hands grew cold . `` It is nearly six , and it is dark .