midnight
Mrs. Gray poured the chocolate , and Anne , always her right-hand man , assisted her in serving it . Grace , with her ever-present youthfulness of spirit , found trundling the table about the room a most pleasing diversion . They were a very merry little company , entering into the joy of being together with all their hearts , and deeply thankful for the opportunity to gather once more in the same spirit of friendly affection that had characterized all their meetings . It was well toward midnight when the party broke up . `` May n't I take you home in my car , Grace , '' pleaded Tom . Grace stood for the moment , a little detached from the others , arranging the veil over her hat . `` Oh , no , Tom , '' she made quick answer .