midnight
Whereupon they emptied their glasses and sat down , and the soldier rose to his feet . `` Thank you , boys , '' he began , `` but I think you have already made me enjoy this one birthday three times over . It was yesterday that I was twenty-six , and -- '' `` But I did n't meet you till last night , '' interrupted the journalist ; `` and yesterday was Sunday ; and I could n't get a box for the theatre and find the other half of The Quartet all on Sunday , could I ? '' `` I 'm not complaining because yesterday was my real birthday , '' the soldier returned , `` even if you have now protracted the celebration on to the third day -- it 's just struck midnight , you know . All I have to say is , that since you have given me a triplicate birthday this time , any future anniversary will have to spread itself over four days if it wants to beat the record , that 's all . '' And he took his seat again . `` Well , '' said the artist , who had recently returned from Paris , `` that wo n't happen till we see ` the week of the four Thursdays , ' as the French say . ''