midnight
`` Oh , go on talking , do ! '' cried Guerchard , mopping his forehead . `` Absolutely pitiable , '' said the Duke , with a cold , disquieting certainty . `` As the hand of that clock moves nearer and nearer midnight , you will grow more and more terrified . '' He paused , and then shouted violently , `` Attention ! '' Guerchard jumped ; and then he swore . `` Your nerves are on edge , '' said the Duke , laughing .