two past
midnight
Mr. Gilbert Stair is my very good friend . '' I let that go uncontradicted . `` His title to the estate is secure enough , as you know , but you can make it better , '' he went on . This saying of his told me what I had only guessed : that as yet he had not been admitted into Gilbert Stair 's full confidence ; also , that he had no hint of what had taken place in my chamber some hour or two past midnight . At that , a joy fierce like pain came to thrill me . `` Go on , '' said I. `` Your route to Camden lies through Charlotte . Your guard will give you time and opportunity to execute a quitclaim in Mr. Stair 's favor . ''