midnight
They played `` ramps , '' an uproarious game ; and Suzette was impetuous and noisy as the rest , with brightened cheeks and eyes and a clear , silvery voice . The stake was a bottle of Bordeaux . Few women play cards honestly , and Suzette was the first to go out ; but seeing that Ralph floundered and lost continually , she gave him her attention , looking over his hand , and talking for him , and counting with so dexterous deceit that he escaped also , while Terrapin paid for the wine . It was not the most reputable amusement in the world ; but the hours were winged , and midnight came untimely . Suzette tied on a saucy brown flat streaming with ribbons , and bade them good-night , ending with Ralph , in whose palm her little fingers lay pulsing an instant , bringing the blood to his hand . How mean the _ cremery _ and its patrons seemed now that she was gone ! The great clamp at the portal of his hotel sounded very ghostly as he knocked ; the concierge was a hideous old man in gown and nightcap . ''