midnight
Suiting the word to the action , he offered his arm to Henriette and started to go . With a fury restrained only by conventional usages , de Praille was across their path and barred the way with his wand . `` This is my house , '' he said hoarsely , `` and I will not permit this insult ! '' As he spoke , the chimes sounded midnight . `` Do you hear ? After twelve o'clock , no one ever leaves Bel-Air ! '' For answer de Vaudrey dashed aside the extended wand , escorted the kidnapped girl to the foot of the staircase .