midnight
` Yes , sir , ' said the landlady looking , and , doubtless , feeling astonished at the sort of person Netta was , so pretty and well-dressed . That evening another letter arrived from Mr Deep , which told Howel very plainly that writs were issued against him , and that his bills , cheques , betting debts , and affairs generally , were being questioned by his friends . There was also rather more than a hint of his being suspected of forgery . He went out as soon as he had received that letter , and did not return until past midnight . Netta awaited him in an agony of terror lest he should return no more . He gave Netta ten pounds and told her on no account to disclose her real name , or give a clue to his having been with her in those lodgings , if she should see Rowland . ` But you will be back soon ? '