midnight
But a second look into the wide dark eyes would have found there rather a trace of pathos , bordering upon melancholy ; and the lines of the mouth , strongly curved , would in all likelihood have gained that sympathy demanded by the eyes , betokening a nature warm and noble , not petty or mean , and certainly not insignificant . Such was the woman of the hour in Washington , lately frowned on by the ladies as too beautiful , talked about by the gentlemen as too cold , discussed by some , adored by others , understood by none , dreaded by some high in power , plotted against by others yet more high in place . She cast a hurried glance now at the clock which , tall and solemn , stood near by in the hall . It was upon the stroke of midnight only . Turning half questioningly to her maid , she heard a footfall . The manager of the hotel himself came to greet her , carrying a card in his hand , and with a bow , asking her attention . `` Well , then , '' began the young woman , in perfect English , glancing at the card .