midnight
As nobody knows , and as Florence in her heart is more frightened than she cares to confess , being aware through Adrian that some of the men are still up in the smoking-room , and fearing that a quarrel had arisen among them , she proposes that they should go to the smoking-room in a body and make inquiries . Old Lady FitzAlmont , with Lady Gertrude sobbing on her arm , seconds this proposal , and , being a veteran of much distinction , takes the lead . Those following close behind , are glad of this , and hopeful because of it , her appearance being calculated to rout any enemy . The awful character of her dressing-gown and the severity of the nightcap that crowns her martial head would strike terror to the hearts of any midnight marauders . They all move off in a body , and , guided unconsciously by Florence , approach the smoking-room . Voices loud in conversation can be heard as they draw near ; the door is slightly ajar . Florence drawing back as they come quite up to it , the old lady waves her aside , and advances boldly to the front .