midnight
Remorse meant exposure , and exposure meant prosecution -- a great public prosecution , which , at all hazards , must not be allowed . As he sat there he was actually calmly wondering whether this fine old officer with such a brilliant record would die in silence by his own hand and carry his secret to the grave , or whether he would leave behind some awkward written statement which would incriminate himself and those for whom he acted . Suddenly Sir Hugh turned and , looking the doctor squarely in the face as though divining his inmost thoughts , said in a hoarse voice tremulous with emotion : `` Ah , you need not trouble yourself further , Weirmarsh . I have a big dinner-party to-night , but by midnight I shall have paid the penalty which you have imposed upon me -- I shall have ceased to live . I will die rather then serve you further ! '' `` Very well , my dear sir , '' replied the doctor , rising from his chair abruptly . `` Of course , every man 's life is his own property -- you can take it if you think fit -- but I assure you that such an event would not concern me in the least .