midnight
Doris put her wits to his . Between them they polished the riddle ; but by the time it was done the Home Secretary had begun to find Meadows 's little wife , whose existence he had not noticed hitherto , more agreeable than Lady Dunstable 's table with its racked countenances , and its too ample supply of pencils and paper . A deadly crime ! When Lady Dunstable , on the stroke of midnight , swept through the rooms to gather her guests for bed , she cast a withering glance on Doris and her companion . `` So you despised our little amusements ? '' she said , as she handed Mrs. Meadows her candle . `` I was n't worthy of them , '' smiled Doris , in reply .