midnight
he asked , anxiously . `` Oh , dear , no ! but everyone does not get up with the milkman , as you do , John ; and the dear child was at the opera last night , which made her late in getting home . '' `` Does n't the opera let out before midnight , the same as the theatres ? '' he asked . `` I believe so ; but there is the supper , afterward , you know . '' `` Ah , yes , '' he returned , thoughtfully .