midnight
He read it and read it again , and then he laid it down , and putting on his hat , he took his cane and went out . `` Do not wait for me , Marina , '' he said , `` I may be late . Go to bed . '' He returned at midnight , and lighting his candle took up the card and read it once more . He could not tell whether to be glad or sorry that he had failed to see the Vervains again . He took it for granted that Don Ippolito was to follow ; he would not ask himself what motive had hastened their going . The reasons were all that he should never more look upon the woman so hatefully lost to him , but a strong instinct of his heart struggled against them .