midnight
`` We will by one or two o'clock . '' The lady became very grave . `` Of course , '' she said , `` it ca n't be helped . But it would be ever so much nicer if we could get in before midnight . '' `` I take your point , Ma'am , '' said Saterlee . `` Before midnight is just a buggy ride -- after midnight means being out all night together . I feel for you , Ma'am , but I 'm dinged if I see how we can help ourselves .