midnight
And every little while there 's something extra doin ' ; like a couple of college hicks bein ' led out by the strong-arm squad for disputin ' a bill , or a perfect gent all ablaze havin ' a debate with his lady-love , or a bunch of out-of-town buyers discoverin ' the evenin ' dress rule for the first time and gettin ' peeved over it . But nothin ' can drag Ira 's gaze from that revolvin ' exit door for more 'n half a minute . There he stands , watchin ' eager every couple that comes out ; not excited or fidgety , you understand , but calm and in dead earnest . It got to be midnight , then half past , then quarter to one ; and then all of a sudden there comes a ripplin ' , high-pitched laugh , and out trips a giddy-dressed fairy in a gilt and rhinestone turban effect with a tall plume stickin ' straight up from the front of it . She 's one of these big , full-curved , golden brunettes , with long jet danglers in her ears and all the haughty airs of a grand opera star . I did n't dream it was the one we was lookin ' for until I sees Ira straighten up and step out to meet her . `` Nellie , '' says he , sort of choky and pleadin ' .