midnight
Heretofore I had thought you had passed through it as Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego passed through the fiery furnace , without even the smell of fire upon their garments , but I now at last detect a genuine Greek aroma . '' `` I think Burt 's quotation very pat , '' said Amy , `` and I could not have believed that anything written so long ago would apply so marvellously to what I have seen to-day . '' `` Marvellously pat , indeed , '' said Leonard . `` And since your quotation has led to such a nice little pat on your classical back , Burt , you must feel repaid for your long burning of the midnight oil . '' Burt flushed slightly , but he turned Leonard 's shafts with smiling assurance , and said : `` Amply repaid . I have ever had an abiding confidence that my education would be of use to me at some time . '' The long days grew hot , and often sultry , but the season brought unremitting toil .