midnight
`` The poor girls pine for Italy ; they have always adored Italy . My eldest daughter is far more Italian than English . '' `` Well , I do n't read Italian , '' said Mrs. Travis to Barbara , `` but if English would do , I should really like to sit with her for an hour sometimes . I never sleep myself if I go to bed before midnight . Do you think she would care for my company ? '' `` I am sure she would be grateful to you , '' answered Barbara , who felt that she might now exhibit a little politeness . `` Then please ask her if I may come to-night . ''