midnight
At that moment Maud Warren came languidly forward , the little count at her heels . `` Miss Stuart , '' she announced , `` I have persuaded Papa to let me give a masked ball before we go back to New York . There are a number of smart people here at Palm Beach , and I want the count to see one of our American balls . We shall wear our masks until midnight , and then have a cotillon afterwards . '' `` That will be delightful , Maud ! '' replied Ruth . `` And that reminds me .