midnight
It seemed as though their fortune and their greatness had suddenly abandoned them at the first breath of war , like a slender veil torn by the wind from a woman 's shoulders . `` James P. went to interview Dr. von Göteburg , who answered him with ironical politeness , and depicted the pitiable plight of a Germany surrounded and attacked by a world of enemies . If , however , they were willing to leave him the princess 's pearl necklace as security , he would consent to lend them the few marks they needed to cross the frontier . `` Towards midnight I entered the room where this Twilight of the Gods was drawing to an end , and saw an astounding spectacle . The Duchess of Broadfield and Princess Uriassof were attempting to pack their own trunks . Their lack of experience was only too conspicuous . In every corner there lay hats which had been crushed by their clumsy attempts ; the badly folded dresses swelled awkwardly and refused with disgraceful obstinacy to allow the Princess to lock her trunks .