midnight
Cary smiled and thanked Zulma with an approving nod . Pauline had not a word to utter , but her answer was only too painfully significant when she buried her face in her hands and gave way to a tempest of grief . Perplexity was painted on every countenance . Batoche alone retained his equanimity , and calmly , but with a tone almost of authority , he said : `` M. Belmont , it is near midnight . There is a long road to travel . A decision must at once be made . What do you say ? ''