midnight
`` That fellow at least has done his best to kick the ball , damn him ! '' thought Ashe , with contempt , as he thrust the paper into his pocket . It was no more than he expected ; but it put an end to all thoughts of a more hopeful kind . He walked up and down the _ Piazza _ smoking , till midnight , counting the hours till he could reach London , and revolving the phrases of a telegram to be sent to his solicitor before starting . Kitty made no sign or sound when he entered her room . Her fair head was turned away from him , and all was dark . He could hardly believe that she was asleep ; but it was a relief to him to accept her pretence of it , and to escape all further conversation .