midnight
The driver wrapped a whiplash round the corrugated flanks of his horse and the ghari turned the corner with gratifying speed . In half a minute they were in the Chitpur Road . In fifteen they drew up before the hotel . It was after midnight and the city had begun to quiet down , but Old Court House Street was still populous with carriages and pedestrians , black and tan and white . There was a Viceregal function of some sort towards in the Government House , and broughams and victorias , coaches , hansoms , and coupes , with lamps alight and liveried coachmen -- turn-outs groomed to the last degree of smartness -- crowded the thoroughfare to the peril and discomfort of the casual ghari . The scene was unbelievably brilliant . Amber felt like rubbing his eyes .