midnight
Here Mrs. Grindle was forced to express an opinion of her own -- always a trial for the nervous little woman . `` I think it 's because dear Mary looks so charming to-night , Agnes , '' she ventured in her mouselike way . Then moved up to make room for Archdeacon Long , who laid himself out to entertain the ladies . * * * * * It was after midnight when Mahony reached home . He would rather have gone to bed , but having promised Mary to put in an appearance , he changed and walked down to the town . The ball was at its height . He skirted the rotating couples , seeking Mary .