midnight
In less than half an hour he was back again at this spot . He walked past the shop many times without pausing ; his eyes devoured the front of the building , and noted those windows in which there was a glimmer of light . He saw girls enter by the private door , but Monica did not again show herself . Some time after midnight , when the house had long been dark and perfectly quiet , the uneasy man took a last look , and then sought a cab to convey him home . The letter of which he had spoken reached Monica 's hands next morning . It was a very respectful invitation to accompany the writer on a drive in Surrey . Widdowson proposed to meet her at Herne Hill railway station , where his vehicle would be waiting .