midnight
`` I had been afraid that it might have exhausted you . I only came to welcome you . I must return at once . I have an article to finish before midnight . '' Aunt Anne smiled gently : `` No , I 'm not tired , thank you . And what has happened while I have been away ? '' `` I have been away too , as you know , '' said Mr. Magnus , `` but I understand that your sister has been very busy -- quite a number -- '' Aunt Elizabeth said in her trembling voice : `` No .