midnight
Major Abbot presents his father and looks around the room somewhat disappointedly . Despite his excitement of the day , and possibly because of it , Doctor Warren seems in higher spirits and better condition than Abbot has imagined it possible for him to be . The two old gentlemen shake hands , and Mr. Abbot speedily seats himself by the side of the invalid , and frees himself of his impressions as to the extraordinary charges that had been preferred , and his satisfaction at their speedy refutation . The local physician , in low tones , is assuring Major Abbot that a day or two will restore their patient to strength sufficient to journey homewards , and that he believes the `` set back '' of the early evening will be of no avail if he can get him to sleep by midnight . Abbot hastily explains that he leaves at daybreak for Boston , and had only come in fulfilment of a promise . Then he accosts his father . `` I know we have both a great deal to say to Doctor Warren , father , but it is a pleasure only to be deferred .