midnight
Hello , what number _ ? '' -- followed by the grumbling of the armature as the operator tried fruitlessly to ring the disconnected bell . The girl smiled faintly , aware that there would now be no interruption from an inopportune call . There remained as a final precaution only a grand tour of the flat ; which she made expeditiously , passing swiftly and noiselessly -LRB- one contemplating midnight raids does not attire one 's self in silks and starched things -RRB- from room to room , all comfortably empty . Satisfied at last , she found herself again in the study , and now boldly , mind at rest , lighted the brass student lamp with the green shade , which she discovered on the desk . Standing , hands resting lightly on hips , breath coming quickly , cheeks flushed and eyes alight with some intimate and inscrutable emotion , she surveyed the room . Out of the dusk that lay beyond the plash of illumination beneath the lamp , the furniture began to take on familiar shapes : the divans , the heavy leather-cushioned easy chairs , the tall clock with its pallid staring face , the small tables and tabourettes , handily disposed for the reception of books and magazines and pipes and glasses , the towering , old-fashioned mahogany book-case , the useless , ornamental , beautiful Chippendale escritoire , in one corner : all somberly shadowed and all combining to diffuse an impression of quiet , easy-going comfort .