midnight
In front of the theater I leap from the driver 's seat , and in alighting she leaned on my arm , which trembled under the sweet burden . I open the door of her box , and then wait in the vestibule . The performance lasts four hours ; she receives visits from her cavaliers , the while I grit my teeth with rage . It is way beyond midnight when my mistress 's bell sounds for the last time . `` Fire ! '' she orders abruptly , and when the fire-place crackles , `` Tea ! '' When I return with the samovar , she has already undressed , and with the aid of the negress slipped into a white negligee .