midnight
`` Why , supper has not even been announced . '' I felt her hand close more tightly upon my arm . `` Unfortunately we must , '' she replied , in a tone expressive of deep regret . `` The Major was to go directly to his quarters if he was not here by midnight , and would surely worry were I still absent . Have you ever met my friend ? Pardon me -- Captain Burns , Colonel Curran . '' We bowed ceremoniously , and the next moment Mrs. Brennan and I were out upon the steps , breathing the cool night air .