midnight
He did so exactly in accordance with the minister 's instructions , giving his readers to understand that the expedition to Morocco would not take place . Then he took it to the office , chatted for a few minutes with the governor , and went out smoking , light-hearted , though he knew not why . His wife had not come home , and he went to bed and fell asleep . Madeleine came in towards midnight . George , suddenly roused , sat up in bed . `` Well ? '' he asked .