midnight
In these discussions , the clergyman was good-natured and the soldier polite ; circumstances that tended to render them far more agreeable to the listeners than they might otherwise have proved . On the present occasion , the chaplain rang the changes diligently , on the natural feelings , while his friend spoke most of the higher duties . The _ ad captandum _ part of the argument , oddly enough , fell to the share of the minister of the church ; while the intellectual , discriminating , and really logical portion of the subject , was handled by one trained in garrisons and camps , with a truth , both of ethics and reason , that would have done credit to a drilled casuist . The war of words continued till past midnight , both disputants soon getting back to their pipes , carrying on the conflict amid a smoke that did no dishonour to such a well-contested field . Leaving the captain and his friend thus intently engaged , we will take one or two glimpses into different parts of the house , before we cause all our characters to retire for the night . About the time the battle in the library was at its height , Mrs. Willoughby was alone in her room , having disposed of all the cares , and most of the duties of the day . The mother 's heart was filled with a calm delight that it would have been difficult for herself to describe .