midnight
She had pulled off her gloves and was looking at the split tire . It was marvelous that it should have come off so clean -- simply peeled . `` And it 's five o'clock , '' said Belle , with her usual unfortunate way of saying something to make things worse . `` But it is n't midnight , '' almost snapped Cora . `` Let 's try to call the boys , '' suggested Belle . `` Are n't they dreadful to get so far away ? '' `` Very rude , '' and Cora showed some sarcasm .