midnight
Moreover , he was quite aware that Montezma was anxious that his daughters should marry , and he felt confident enough of the old man 's liking for himself to be sure that , in spite of the difference in nationality , the union would be far from distasteful to him . On the contrary , it was just possible that -- but there he came to a sudden stop . He had got on to dangerous ground , where it behoved him to walk warily . At last it became time for Brockford and himself , if they wished to get back to the island before midnight , to bid the family good-bye . They accordingly entered the house to take a stirrup cup , and it was then that an event occurred which was destined to cause Max more uneasiness than anything that had happened since his arrival in Brazil , the fever excepted . They were standing beside the table in the dining-room , when Maraquinha , who , as I have already explained , had hitherto been occupied at the piano in the drawing-room , made her appearance , carrying in her hand an illustrated newspaper . `` Señor Mortimer , '' she cried , with a smile upon her face , `` are you aware that we are fortunate enough to possess a portrait of yourself ? ''