midnight
It was a kiss of betrayal , but she felt that it was no Judas-kiss , since Nicky was no Christ . He told her more of his plans in detail , and was so childishly proud of his superb achievements , past and future , that she could hardly persuade him to take her back to the station . He assured her that there was abundant time , but she would not trust his watch . She explained how necessary it was for her to return to Washington and to Polly Widdicombe 's house before midnight . And at last he yielded to her entreaties , opened the door , and leaned out to tell the driver to turn back . Mamise was uneasy till they were out of the park and into the lighted streets again . But there was no safety here , for as they glided down Charles Street a taxicab going with the reckless velocity of taxicabs tried to cut across their path .