midnight before
`` Very well ; just as you like . I do believe you are afraid of my turning forger . '' He buttoned his coat with a half sulky , half defiant air , left his supper untasted , and disappeared . It was midnight before he returned . His aunts were still sitting up , imagining all sorts of horrors , in an anxiety too great for words ; but when Hilary ran to the door , with the natural `` Oh , Ascott , where have you been ? '' he pushed her aside with a gesture that was almost fierce in its repulsion . `` Where have I been ?