midnight
-LCB- boss = Cooper was annoyed by American euphemisms , such as using the Dutch word `` boss '' in place of `` master '' -- a custom he blamed largely on New England `` Yankees '' -RCB- `` Oh ! that 's only a republican word for ` master . ' Now , Judge Latitat is MY boss , and a very good one he is , with the exception of his sitting so late at night at his infernal circuits , by the light of miserable tallow candles . But all the judges are alike for that , keeping a poor shirt up sometimes until midnight , listening to cursed dull lawyers , and prosy , caviling witnesses . '' -LCB- circuits = American `` circuit judges '' travelled from town to town , holding court in each and sleeping at local inns and taverns -RCB- `` I beg you to recollect , sir , that I am a female pocket-handkerchief , and persons of your sex are bound to use temperate and proper language in the presence of ladies . `` Yes , I see you are feminine , by your ornaments -- still , you might tell a fellow who is your boss ? '' `` I belong , at present , to Colonel Silky , if that is what you mean ; but I presume some fair lady will soon do me the honor of transferring me to her own wardrobe .