midnight
But my temper gave way , I became tart and fierce , perhaps my replies were a trifle absurd , and Tarvrille , with that quick eye and sympathy of his , came to the rescue . Then for a time I sat silent and drank port wine while the others talked . The disorder of the room , the still dripping ceiling , the noise , the displaced ties and crumpled shirts of my companions , jarred on my tormented nerves ... . It was long past midnight when we dispersed . I remember Tarvrille coming with me into the hall , and then suggesting we should go upstairs to see the damage . A manservant carried up two flickering candles for us . One end of the room was gutted , curtains , hangings , several chairs and tables were completely burnt , the panelling was scorched and warped , three smashed windows made the candles flare and gutter , and some scraps of broken china still lay on the puddled floor .