Midnight
Frederic protested as far as he thought good breeding demanded , but as he was really longing to accept the invitation he ended by acceding with visible pleasure , and they consequently dined together . Frederic was a delightful companion , being both poet and philosopher , qualities one finds only united in Germany . He quite made a conquest of his host , who after dinner proposed a game of chess . Midnight struck , and each thought the evening barely begun . It was not possible to return to the village at such an hour . Frederic , after some modest reluctance , remained at the castle and slept in the Landgrave Philip 's bed ; and it was only the next day after lunch that he obtained his host 's permission to resume his journey . `` I am not without some slight influence at court , '' said the intendant on taking leave of him , `` and if I can ever be of any service to you , pray make use of me . ''