midnight (Central European time)
His presence gave an impersonal shield behind which they could seek shelter from each other , and they urged him so earnestly to remain that it would have been ungracious to refuse . It was the evening of August 4th , and the family circle , reduced to four , had just finished dinner . There had been only one topic of conversation -- there could be but one . Britain had given Germany until midnight -LRB- Central European time -RRB- to guarantee withdrawal from Belgium . After dinner the family adjourned for coffee to the living-room , and , as was his custom , Lord Durwent proffered his guest a cigar . ` No , thanks , ' said Selwyn . ` If you will excuse me , I think I will do without a smoke just now .