midnight
`` Oh , I 'm so glad . '' `` What seems to be the trouble , Sallie ? '' queried Mr. Stuart , springing from the car . `` It 's after midnight . I grew worried when you did n't return to the hotel at eleven , so decided I had better come out after you . I rather think we exceeded the speed limit too , '' he laughed , turning to the chauffeur . Then Ruth burst forth with an excited account of the night 's adventure .