about midnight
So hotly would I flare up , whenever the abuse of handsome boys was even mentioned at the table , and with such uncompromising sternness would I protest against having my ears insulted by such filthy talk , that I came to be looked upon , especially by the mother , as one of the philosophers . I was conducting the lad to the gymnasium before very long , and superintending his conduct , taking especial care , all the while , that no one who could debauch him should ever enter the house . Then there came a holiday , the school was closed , and our festivities had rendered us too lazy to retire properly , so we lay down in the dining-room . It was just about midnight , and I knew he was awake , so I murmured this vow , in a very low voice , ` Oh Lady Venus , could I but kiss this lad , and he not know it , I would give him a pair of turtle-doves tomorrow ! ' On hearing the price offered for this favor , the boy commenced to snore ! Then , bending over the pretending sleeper , I snatched a fleeting kiss or two . Satisfied with this beginning , I arose early in the morning , brought a fine pair of turtle-doves to the eager lad , and absolved myself from my vow . ''