midnight
Whereupon everybody flopped down on the seat nearest within reach . Some found vacancies at once , others had to scamper frantically round in search of them , and finally , as the chairs were one fewer in number than the company , one luckless player was left out to enjoy the fun of those who remained in . `` All right , '' said Samuel , when the first round was decided , and a chair withdrawn in anticipation of the next ; `` I only nudged you to stop a bit sooner , Cruden . The game will last till midnight if you give us such long doses . '' Doses ! Reginald turned again to the piano and tried once more to lose himself in its comforting music . He played a short German air of only four lines , which ended in a plaintive , wailing cadence .