midnight
He was on the point of rising , however , when he saw three figures come down the empty vista of the terrace -- figures which even at a distance had a familiar air . He immediately left his seat and , taking a dozen steps , recognized Angela Vivian , Blanche Evers and Captain Lovelock . In a moment he met them in the middle of the terrace . Blanche immediately announced that they had come for a midnight walk . `` And if you think it ` s improper , '' she exclaimed , `` it ` s not my invention -- it ` s Miss Vivian 's . '' `` I beg pardon -- it ` s mine , '' said Captain Lovelock . `` I desire the credit of it .