two o'clock in the
morning
This was very attentive . Axel had never known her so thoughtful . The gentlemen , however , with one accord refused the hot water ; they would drink a glass of wine , perhaps , as Herr von Lohm so kindly suggested , and then go to their homes and beds as quickly as possible . Manske , by far the grimiest , was also the most decided in his refusal ; he was a godly man , but he did not love supererogatory washings , under which heading surely a washing at two o'clock in the morning came . Axel left them in the hall a moment , and went into his study to fetch cigars ; and there he found Letty , hiding behind the door . `` You here , young lady ? '' he exclaimed surprised , stopping short .