midnight
`` I cabled at noon to Washington asking the Department to obtain , immediately , full information as to his character and reputation . '' `` Courtney , you 're a wonder , '' I said . `` I 'm glad you approve , '' he answered . `` I thought it well to move at once , so the inquiry could be in New York early this morning ; and , even if it took the whole day to investigate , the answer should be here by midnight at the latest . '' Just then , there was a knock on the door and a footman entered . `` For His Excellency , the American Ambassador , '' he said , and handed Courtney an envelope . `` Here it is , now , '' he said .