midnight
The hand gleamed white and delicate as a woman 's . His chin was smooth and round , his lips thin and petulant . Beneath his top-coat , evening dress clothed a short and slender figure . Nothing whatever of his appearance suggested the burly ruffian , the midnight marauder ; he seemed little more than a boy old enough to dress for dinner . In his attitude there was something pitifully suggestive of a beaten child , thrown into a corner . Conscience-smitten and amazed Kirkwood stared on until , without warning , the match flickered and went out . Then , straightening up with an exclamation at once of annoyance and concern , he rattled the box ; it made no sound , -- was empty .