midnight
But John Mark was an artist in choosing remarks and moments which should not be noticed . Apparently her silence made not even a ripple on the calm surface of his assurance . He had been so perfectly diplomatic , indeed , during the whole affair , that she had come to respect and fear him more than ever . Even in that sudden midnight departure from the house in Beekman Place , in that unaccountable panic which made him decide to flee from the vicinity of Ronicky Doone -- even in that critical moment he had made sure that there was a proper chaperon with them . During all her years with him he had always taken meticulous care that she should be above the slightest breath of suspicion -- a strange thing when the work to which he had assigned her was considered . `` Well , '' he asked , `` now that you 've seen , how do you like it ? If you wish , we 'll move today after the ceremony .