midnight
A moment later he had stepped back and shut the door . He stood looking after the cab till it vanished round a corner , then he went back to the theatre for his hat and coat , and set off again down the road . He was not conscious of any real emotion ; but he walked swiftly as a man does who has a set purpose , and he did not stop till he found himself outside the Ashtons ' house . It was not far off midnight , but lights burned in many of the windows , and after a swift glance at the face of the house he went up the steps and rang the bell . It was some moments before the door was opened by a mildly amazed-looking servant ; Micky asked for Mr. Ashton . `` My name is Mellowes , '' he said , as she obviously hesitated . `` If you tell him my name he will see me .