midnight
Brabant saw that there was something beneath the surface , so at once did begin to talk about his voyage ; and presently some other people -- men and women -- dropped in , and the conversation became general , and about ten o'clock Mrs. Brabant , under the plea of a bad headache , bade her guests good-night . She shook hands with some gracious words with Lester and the second mate , but , much to her husband 's distress , simply bowed coldly to his friend Bruce , and ignored his proffered hand . The honest , loyal-hearted Scotsman flushed to the roots of his hair , but pretended not to notice the slight . Long after midnight , when all his guests except Bruce and Lester and his fellow-officer had gone home , Brabant and they walked to and fro under the coco-palms which surrounded the bungalow . Brabant talked most . He was full of future trading schemes , and outlined his plans to his two officers freely . `` It 's a bit awkward this affair happening between you and Danvers , '' he said to Bruce , `` for I 've had letters from his principals in Sydney which possibly points to a combination of their business and mine as one company , with myself at the head of affairs . ''