midnight
Then he and the barrister got into a cab and went to the Temple . `` We 'll take the books home with us , Carr , '' he said , feverishly . `` You often have fellows dropping in to your chambers at night ; at my house we shall be secure from interruption . '' It was midnight when Lady Hartledon returned home . She asked after her husband , and heard that he was in the breakfast-room with Mr. Carr . She went towards it with a stealthy step , and opened the door very softly . Had Lord Hartledon not been talking , they might , however , have heard her .