midnight
Then , as he was about to go , he turned , `` Have you received your invitation for ... ? '' The door opened . Count Albert , being introduced by the _ maître d'hôtel _ , had heard the last words . `` I am just delivering it myself , '' he said , handing Mlle. Frahender a card which she read to Esperance -- `` His Excellence , the Count de Bernecourt , Minister of Belgium to France , and the Princess , hope that Mlle. Frahender and Mlle. Esperance Darbois will join them for supper after the play , at midnight , at their house . '' `` But I can not accept without the permission of my father , '' said Esperance . The raucous and heavy voice of the godfather pronounced , `` I will assume the responsibility . Your mother encouraged me to watch over you .