midnight
Stuart gave a nervous , anxious laugh . `` Oh , do n't ask me , '' he cried . `` It was awful . I 've been trying an experiment , and I had to keep it up until midnight , and -- I 'm so glad you fellows have come , '' he continued , halting midway in his explanation . `` I _ was _ blue . '' `` You 've been asleep in front of the fire , '' said young Sloane , `` and you 've been dreaming . '' `` Perhaps , '' laughed Stuart , gayly , `` perhaps .