midnight
The celebrated surgeon , Dr. R -- , was not at home in answer to my ring on Monday evening . `` How soon will he be in ? I will wait . '' `` He can see no patients to-night sir , '' said the man ; `` and he may not be home until midnight . '' `` But I am an _ im _ patient , '' I might have urged , when a carriage dashed up to the door . A slight little man descended , and came slowly up the steps . `` Dr. R -- ? ''