midnight
Just as they were leaving the dining-room , Nicholas brought her a message from Père Anselme , to the effect that a very bad storm was coming up , and she must be sure to have the great iron shutters inside the lower dungeon windows securely closed . He had already told Berthe 's son to take in the little boat . And as they crossed the connecting passage , Madame Imogen gave a scream , for a vivid flash of lightning came in through the open windows -- followed by a terrific crash of thunder , and when they reached the sitting-room the storm had indeed come . It was past midnight when Michael reached Paris , and , going in to the Ritz , met Miss Daisy Van der Horn and a number of other friends just leaving after a merry dinner in a private room . They greeted him with fervor . Where had he been ? And would not he dress quickly and come on to supper with them ?