midnight
said Holcombe . `` I did n't mean _ that _ . I meant it literally . I ca n't risk midnight suppers yet . My doctor 's orders are to go to bed at nine , and it 's past twelve now . Some other time , if you 'll be so good ; but it 's long after my bedtime , and -- '' `` Oh , certainly , '' said Carroll , quietly , as he turned away . `` Are you coming , Meakim ? ''