midnight
And when he had gone the second husband of Harietta leant forward and buried his head in his hands . * * * * * The picture Gallery made a brilliant setting for that gallant company ! A collection of England 's best , dancing their hardest to a stirring band , which sang when the tune of some popular Révue chorus came in . `` The Song of the Swan , '' Verisschenzko thought as he observed it all in the last few minutes before midnight . He must go away soon . A messenger had arrived in hot haste from London , motoring beyond the speed limit , and as soon as his servant had packed his things he must return and not wait for the morning . All relations between Austria and Servia had been broken off , the conflagration had begun , and no time must be wasted further .