midnight
It was like gazing at a play . I should be ashamed to repeat the nonsense that Tubal Cain thereupon began to talk ; for it was mere midsummer madness . But I smoked four pipes contentedly while the sound of his voice continued , and am convinced that he never performed so well at prayer-meeting . Down at the town I heard the church-clock striking midnight , and then one o'clock ; and was only aroused when the youth started up and grasped his fiddle . `` And now , sir , if you would consent to one thing , ` twould make us very happy . You ca n't play the violin , worse luck ; but you might take a step or two round the deck with Annie , if I strike up a waltz-tune for you to move to . '' It was ridiculous , but as he began to play I moved up to Annie , put my arm around her , and we began to glide round and round on the deck .