midnight
Vera retired early , soon to be followed by Allport and Holiday . At half past ten Mr. MacWhirter came in with his ancient volume . Beatrice was studying a cookery-book . ` You , too , at the midnight lamp ! ' exclaimed MacWhirter politely . ` Ah , I am only looking for a pudding for tomorrow , ' Beatrice replied . ` We shall feel hopelessly in debt if you look after us so well , ' smiled the young man ironically .