midnight
Words can not describe the emotion , nay the passion , with which he poured that tragic narrative into the ears of his eager and sympathetic listener . Never was a story told to a more attentive and appreciative auditor . There must have been some buried sorrow in that heart which had rendered it sensitive to the griefs of others . Hours were consumed by this narrative and by the questions which had to be asked and answered , and it was long after midnight when David found time to say , `` And now shall I tell you my plans for the future ? '' `` Yes , if you will , '' said Mantel . `` Well , I have rented a sunny room in a lodging house in a quiet street , and to-morrow , if you are willing , you shall go and lead him to it . I must lean upon you , Mantel ; I dare not make myself known to him .