midnight
An hour ago , when he had been pacing Alexander Duncan 's library , the eyes and the mouth had been different . Long habit asserts itself at the strangest moments . Jethro Bass took his seat by the window , and remained silent . The clock tolled the half-hour after midnight . `` You wanted to see me , '' said Mr. Worthington , finally . Jethro nodded , almost imperceptibly . `` I suppose , '' said Mr. Worthington , slowly , `` I suppose you are ready to sell out . ''