midnight
I remembered the piece of good news I had for Raoul . I would have told him then , but he went on , saying to me so many things sweet and blessed to hear , that I could not bear to cut him short , lest never after this should he speak words of love to me . Then -- long before it ought , so it seemed -- the clock in mydressing-room struck , and I knew that I had n't another instant to spare . On some first nights I might have been willing to risk keeping the curtain down -LRB- though I am rather conscientious in such ways -RRB- , but to-night I wanted , more than anything else , to have the play over , and to get home by midnight or before , so that my suspense might be ended , and I might know the worst -- or best . `` I must go . You must leave me , dear , '' I said . `` But I 've some good news for you when there 's time to explain , and a great surprise .