midnight
`` You helped me far more than you bothered me , sir , '' Susan replied with a grateful glance . `` Will it soon be over now , sir ? '' `` Well , they 'll have a few more dances , and probably they 'll sing a little . They 'll go home before midnight . But , I say , Mrs. Hastings , I wo n't let 'em trouble you . You sit in this cosy corner , and if you 'll take my advice , you 'll nod a bit now and then , -- but do n't go really to sleep . Then they 'll let you alone . ''