midnight
And , as it happened , the meeting developed more enthusiasm than optimism . Cardew 's withdrawal would be made the most of by the opposition . They would play it up as the end of the old regime , the beginning of new and better things . Before midnight the conference broke up , to catch the morning editions . Willy Cameron , detained behind the others , saw Lily in the drawing-room alone as he passed the door , and hesitated . `` I have been waiting for you , Willy , '' she said . But when he went in she seemed to have nothing to say .