midnight
She moved her lips to speak . `` Do n't ask me why I asked you that , '' he said , `` but promise me , promise me , that you 'll do your best to think of me as doing what I believed was right . '' `` I 'm bewildered , but you have my promise , '' she answered . The clock on the mantel above the fireplace chimed midnight . He rose . `` I have been thoughtless , '' he said . `` I had forgotten the time . ''