midnight
All stratagems are fair in love and war -- especially in war , and most especially in such a war as this is likely to be -- a contest in close quarters for dear life ! '' All this passed through her mind in one moment , and in the next her plan was formed . Setting her waiter down upon the table and throwing herself into one of the armchairs , she said : `` Well , upon my word ! I think a gentleman might let a lady know when he means to pay her a domiciliary visit at midnight ! '' `` Upon my word , I think you are very cool ! '' replied Black Donald , throwing himself into the second armchair on the other side of the stand of refreshments . `` People are likely to be cool on a December night , with the thermometer at zero , and the ground three feet under the snow , '' said Cap , nothing daunted .