midnight
As he mounted the stairs a confused sound of voices struck his car ; and when he entered the passage , he heard Mrs. Cayhill crying noisily . Johanna came out to him at once ; she was in hat and cloak . She listened stonily to his statement that Ephie was safe at his lodgings , and put no questions ; but , on her returning to the sitting-room , Mrs. Cayhill 's sobs stopped abruptly , and several women spoke at once . Johanna preserved her uncompromising attitude as they walked the midnight streets . But as Maurice made no mien to explain matters further , she so far conquered her aversion as to ask : `` What have you done to her ? '' The young man 's consternation at this view of the case was so evident that even she felt the need of wording her question differently . `` Answer me .