midnight
`` Naturally ; the terms are synonymous . Besides , men generally have the courage of their opinions . '' `` I hope you are listening , Miss Minora , '' said Irais in the amiably polite tone she assumes whenever she speaks to that young person . It was getting on towards midnight , and we were sitting round the fire , waiting for the New Year , and sipping Glubwein , prepared at a small table by the Man of Wrath . It was hot , and sweet , and rather nasty , but it is proper to drink it on this one night , so of course we did . Minora does not like either Irais or myself . We very soon discovered that , and laugh about it when we are alone together .