midnight
Since the last kiss in the cab , nothing had afforded him one hundredth part of the joy which he experienced in parting with that sovereign . The transfer of the coin , so natural , so right , so proper , seemed to set a seal on what had occurred , to make it real and effective . He wished to shower gold upon her . As , bathed in joy and bliss , he watched her up the stairs , a little , obscure compartment of his brain was thinking : ` If anyone had told me two hours ago that before midnight I should be engaged to be married to the finest woman I ever saw , I should have said they were off their chumps . Curious , I 've never mentioned her at home since she called ! Rather awkward ! ' He turned sharply and resolutely to go to Morley 's , and collided with Mr. Dolbiac , who , strangely enough , was standing immediately behind him , and gazing up the stairs , too .