midnight
And amidst these congratulations at the stroke that left him penniless , the distinguished pamphleteer left the room . How he cursed big John Burley ! CHAPTER XVII . It was past midnight when Audley Egerton summoned Randal . The statesman was then alone , seated before his great desk , with its manifold compartments , and engaged on the task of transferring various papers and letters , some to the waste-basket , some to the flames , some to two great iron chests with patent locks , that stood , open-mouthed , at his feet . Strong , stern , and grim looked those iron chests , silently receiving the relics of power departed ; strong , stern , and grim as the grave . Audley lifted his eyes at Randal 's entrance , signed to him to take a chair , continued his task for a few moments , and then turning round , as if by an effort he plucked himself from his master-passion , -- Public Life , he said , with deliberate tones , `` I know not , Randal Leslie , whether you thought me needlessly cautious , or wantonly unkind , when I told you never to expect from me more than such advance to your career as my then position could effect , -- never to expect from my liberality in life , nor from my testament in death , an addition to your private fortunes .