midnight
Mrs. Mackintosh had felt it her duty to breakfast with , and comfort , her friend in distress , likewise to receive an early account of the doings of the day before ; while Smith and Spotts , hearing that the fugitives had returned , took an early breakfast and adjourned to the neighboring golf-links . Cecil , however , who slept well , came down at the usual hour , quite unconscious of what was impending , and calmly walked into the trap . After the ancient butler had passed the tea and toast , and then withdrawn , as was his wont , leaving them to carve out their own salvation , Miss Matilda lost no time in opening up the contest . She had been at swords ' points with her nephew ever since the evening before , as a result of his stoutly maintaining his father 's innocence , and the manner in which she reported her midnight meeting would have made even Marchmont envious . `` And now of course he 'll have to marry her , '' she wound up her recital . `` Good heavens ! I hope not ! ''