about midnight
`` I 'll see what my chief says , '' he replied . `` When can I see you again ? '' `` I shall be leaving here at eight and returning well -- between ten and eleven . '' `` Expect me about midnight , '' he said , and without another word or backward glance he stepped out in the direction of St. Albans . I returned to Mannering , who did not , however , favour me with a very lengthy visit . Possibly he found my manner rather cool , but the fact was , that try as I would to curb my feelings , I could not but resent something of an air of proprietorship which I thought appeared in his tone when referring to Miss Maitland . When he had departed , I got out all the catalogues of motor-cars I could lay my hands upon , and studied them until it was time to dress for dinner .