twelve o'clock at night
ha , ha , ha ! '' May 's reply consisted in putting her hands to her head , with an air of inexpressible vexation ; and finding all her endeavours to be elegant frustrated by the overpowering vulgarity of her husband , she remained silent during the remainder of the repast ; solacing herself with complacent glances at her yellow silk gown , and adjusting the gold chains and necklaces that adorned her bosom . Poor Mary was doomed to a _ tete-a-tete _ with her during the whole evening ; for Mr. Gawffaw was too happy _ with _ his friend , and _ without _ his wife , to quit the dining-room till a late hour ; and then he was so much exhilarated , that she could almost have joined Mrs. Gawffaw in her exclamation of `` For heaven 's sake , Mr. Gawffaw , have mercy on my head ! '' The night , however , like all other nights , had a close ; and Mrs. Gawffaw , having once more enjoyed the felicity of finding herself in company at twelve o'clock at night , at length withdraw ; and having apologised , and hoped , and feared , for another hour in Mary 's apartment , she finally left her to the blessings of solitude and repose . As Mr. Douglas was desirous of reaching Edinburgh the following day , he had , in spite of the urgent remonstrances of his friendly host and the elegant importunities of his lady , ordered the carriage at an early hour ; and Mary was too eager to quit Howffend to keep it waiting . Mr. Gawffaw was in readiness to hand her in , but fortunately Mrs. Gaffaw 's head did not permit of her rising . With much the same hearty laugh that had welcomed their meeting , honest Gawffaw now saluted the departure of his friend ; and as he went whistling over his gate , he ruminated sweet and bitter thoughts as to the destinies of the day -- whether he should solace himself with a good dinner and the company of Bailie Merry thought at the Cross Keys in G -- , or put up with cold mutton , and May , at home .