twelve o'clock at night
Utterly bewildered at this double demonstration , Patty flattened herself against the wall in the friendly darkness of the passage , while she soulfully thanked Heaven that the proposed electric lights had not yet been installed . A dozen voices were calling for matches , but no one seemed to find any . She pantingly tugged at the pillowcase fastened about her neck ; but Conny had tied it firmly with a white hair ribbon , and the knot was behind . In any case , even if she could remove her masquerade , she was lost if they found her ; for she was still wearing the white dress of the evening , and not even Patty 's imagination could compass an excuse for that at twelve o'clock at night . The search was growing nearer ; she caught the glimmer of a light ahead . At any moment they might open the door of the passage . The linen closet was the only refuge at hand -- and that was very temporary .