midnight
However , she finally obtained fifteen before his bedtime ; and the next morning `` went to market '' after breakfast , leaving Alice to make the beds . Walter had not yet come downstairs . `` You had better call him , '' Mrs. Adams said , as she departed with a big basket on her arm . `` I expect he 's pretty sleepy ; he was out so late last night I did n't hear him come in , though I kept awake till after midnight , listening for him . Tell him he 'll be late to work if he does n't hurry ; and see that he drinks his coffee , even if he has n't time for anything else . And when Malena comes , get her started in the kitchen : show her where everything is . '' She waved her hand , as she set out for a corner where the cars stopped .