midnight before
She would not quarrel with Arthur . But as no soft confession was possible , and no mending or undoing of what had happened , to laugh her way through the difficult hours was all that remained . So that whenever Meadows renewed the attempt to `` have it out , '' he was met by renewed evasion and `` chaff '' on Doris 's side , till he could only retreat with as much offended dignity as she allowed him . It was after midnight before she had finished his packing . Then , bidding him a smiling good night , she fell asleep -- apparently -- as soon as her head touched the pillow . The next morning , early , she stood on the steps waving farewell to Arthur , without a trace of ill-humour . And he , though vaguely uncomfortable , had submitted at last to what he felt was her fixed purpose of avoiding a scene .