midnight
There were no counters on it , but Gladwyne had just noted something in a little book and was waiting with a languid smile upon his handsome face . Next to him sat Batley , looking thoughtful ; and Crestwick sat opposite Lisle , eager and unhealthily flushed . His forehead showed damp in the lamplight and there was an unpleasant glitter in his eyes . It was close on to midnight and luck had gone hard against him during the past hour , half of which Lisle had spent in his company . This had cost Lisle more money than he was willing to part with . `` It 's getting late , '' he said with a yawn . `` After this hand , I 'll drop out ; I dare say one of the other two will take my place .