midnight
The waiters at Trinity must have been shuffling china plates like cards , from the clatter that could be heard in the Great Court . Jacob 's rooms , however , were in Neville 's Court ; at the top ; so that reaching his door one went in a little out of breath ; but he was n't there . Dining in Hall , presumably . It will be quite dark in Neville 's Court long before midnight , only the pillars opposite will always be white , and the fountains . A curious effect the gate has , like lace upon pale green . Even in the window you hear the plates ; a hum of talk , too , from the diners ; the Hall lit up , and the swing-doors opening and shutting with a soft thud . Some are late .