midnight
Then , with Machiavellian finesse , she laid her plans . She would slip out of bed at half-past eleven o'clock , taking care not to waken George , and she would dress and leave the house by the side door . By walking fast she could reach by midnight the factory to which she had admission . It annoyed her considerably to have George announce at luncheon that he had a political dinner on for the evening and probably would not be home before midnight . He grumbled a little over the dinner . `` The campaign , '' he said , `` really ended yesterday . But Doolittle thought it was wise to have a last round-up of the business men , and give them a final speech . ''