midnight
I 'll settle everything with the landlord , and give the maid her orders . Sit down by the open window ; let the wind blow over you . '' The railway service from Sydenham to London is a late service . At a few minutes before midnight they were in time for the last train . When they left the station , Catherine was calm enough to communicate her plans for the future . The nearest hotel to the terminus would offer them accommodation for that night . On the next day they could find some quiet place in the country -- no matter where , so long as they were not disturbed .