about an hour after
midnight
This is the most critical period of an election . All night parties in disguise were perambulating the different wards , watching each other 's tactics ; masks , wigs , false noses , gentles in livery coats , men in female attire , a silent carnival of manoeuvre , vigilance , anxiety , and trepidation . The thoughtful voters about this time make up their minds ; the enthusiasts who have told you twenty times a-day for the last fortnight , that they would get up in the middle of the night to serve you , require the most watchful cooping ; all the individuals who have assured you that ` their word is their bond , ' change sides . Two of the Rigbyites met in the market-place about an hour after midnight . ` Well , how goes it ? ' said one . ` I have been the rounds .