midnight
And over all a glad negro called the numbers : `` Forward Fours ! '' The caller 's eyes rolled and his body swayed with the rhythm of the dance as he watched each set with growing pride . They danced a quadrille , a mazurka , another quadrille , a schottische , the lancers , another quadrille , and another and another . They paused for supper at midnight and then danced them over again . While the fine young forms swayed to exquisite rhythm and the music floated over all , the earnest young Congressman bent close to his host in a corner of the library . `` I sincerely hope , Colonel Lee , that you can see your way clear to make a reply to this book of Mrs. Stowe which Ruffin has sent you . '' `` I ca n't see it yet , Mr. Pryor -- '' `` Ruffin is a terrible old fire-eater , I know , '' the Congressman admitted .