midnight
The three life-size figures of the eccentric yet decorative picture , nicknamed `` The Disgraces , '' seemed to follow him mockingly with langorous eyes , whispering to each other , `` Here comes a fool who does not understand women . '' Mary was not playing at any of the tables in these rooms ; but there was hope still . The Sporting Club had now opened for the season , and it was more fashionable at night even than the Casino . Vanno had walked through once or twice , after midnight when the Casino had shut , and found there a scene of great beauty and animation : the prettiest women in Monte Carlo , wearing wonderful dresses and jewels , and famous men of nearly all the countries of the world , princes and politicians , great soldiers and grave judges , and even one or two travelling kings . It was very likely that Miss Grant would have gone on to the Sporting Club , after dinner with friends on Christmas Day . He went across the road and a little down the hill , where the white clubhouse owned by the Casino blazed with light . But as he reached it , Dick Carleton dashed through the door , began running down the steps , and almost cannoned into him .