midnight
A chivalrous stiffness , a melancholy dignity , a frozen frigidity , which suggest the fiery bubbling of the lava flood beneath the icy surface , -- these are delightful to the female mind . But friendly indifference and fraternal cordiality constitute the worst insult that can be offered to her beauty , the most bitter outrage upon the majesty of her sex . `` I suppose it will be midnight before papa comes home , Mr. Hawkehurst , '' Diana said abruptly , when her companion had finished his cigar , and had thrown the end of it over the balcony . `` Past midnight more likely , Miss Paget . May I ask how I have become Mr. Hawkehurst all of a sudden , when for the last three years I have been usually known as Valentine -- or Val ? '' The girl turned her head with a gesture in which the carelessness of his own manner was imitated . She stole a rapid look at him as she answered , `` What does it matter whether I call you by one name or another ? ''