midnight
The birds , whose duties lay outside , were by this time asleep on their perches , and we forbore to disturb them . The central chamber of the seraglio , if I may so call it , the largest and midmost of those in the rear of the garden , devoted as of course to the ladies of the household , was especially magnificent . When we stood in its midst , shy looks askance from all the six betrayed their secret ambition ; though Eivé 's was but momentary , and so slight that I felt I might have unfairly suspected her of presumption . I left this room , however , in silence , and assigned to each , of my maiden brides , in order as they had been presented to me , the rooms on the left ; and then , as we stood once more in the peristyle , having postponed all further arrangements , all distribution of household duties , to the morrow -LRB- assigning , however , to Eunané , whose native energy and forwardness had made early acquaintance with the dwelling and its dumb inhabitants , the charge of providing and preparing with their assistance our morning meal -RRB- , I said , `` I have let the business of the evening zyda actually encroach on midnight , and must detain you from your rest no longer . Eveena , you know , I still have need of you . '' She was standing at a little distance , next to Eunané ; and the latter , with a smile half malicious , half triumphant , whispered something in her ear . There was a suppressed annoyance in Eveena 's look which provoked me to interpose .