midnight
He had no sympathies , therefore , with these disturbers ; but he was too well bred ever to oppose himself to the wishes of the company , and so he seemed to concur with what he could not prevent . He could have wished that the Italians would take a lesson from the Swiss , who only revolt when there is nothing else to do , and never take to cutting each other 's throats during the season when there are travellers to be cheated ; `` but , perhaps , '' said he , `` they will soon get enough of it , and learn that their genius lies more in ballets and bonbons than in bombs and rockets . '' Of such various hopes and feelings were the party made up who now awaited D'Esmonde 's presence at the supper-table . It was past midnight , and they had been expecting him with impatience for above an hour back . Twice had the canonico fallen asleep , and started up with terror at what he called a `` fantasma di fame . '' Jekyl had eaten sardines and oysters till he was actually starving . Lady Hester was fidgety and fretful , as waiting always made her ; while Norwood walked from the room to the terrace , and out upon the grass to listen , uneasy lest any mischance should have befallen one who was so deeply involved in their confidences .