midnight
Three days later I was assured that a small league of patriotic men and women had been formed , with Naglovski at their head , determined to unveil and unmask the traitorous rascal who was my employer . I was compelled to return to Perm and inform Rasputin of the result of my investigations . Before doing so I went , at Rasputin 's instructions by telegraph , to Peterhof and was admitted by Madame Vyrubova to the Empress 's presence . The handsome woman was resting in a gorgeous negligée gown prior to dressing for dinner , but she was quickly eager and interested when I explained that I had come from the monk and was returning to Perm at midnight . `` When will the Holy Father 's pilgrimage end ? '' she inquired with a sigh . `` He has been away weeks , and never replies to my letters . ''