twelve o’clock before
He thawed somewhat from the reserve that Buckeye comedies had put upon him . He chatted amiably . Under promptings from the girl he spoke freely of his career , both in Simsbury and in Hollywood . It was twelve o'clock before they seemed willing to let him go , and from time to time they would pause to gloat over the stills . At last Baird said cheerily , `` Well , my lad , I need you in my new piece . How 'll it be if I put you on my payroll , beginning to-day , at forty a week ? How about it , hey ? ''