midnight
Then to his untiring industry and eager attention he added real genius for his tasks , and it was astonishing what progress he made . When at the close of his daily lesson Dennis had taken his departure , Mr. Bruder would shake his head , and cast up his eyes in wonder , and exclaim : `` Dot youth vill astonish de vorld yet . Never in all Germany haf I seen such a scholar . '' Often till after midnight he would study in the solitude of his own little room . And now , relieved of duties in the early morning , he arranged an old easel in the attic of the store , a sort of general lumber-room , yet with a good light for his purpose . Here he secured two good hours daily , and often more , for painting ; and his hand grew skilful , and his eye true , under his earnest efforts . But his intense application caused his body to grow thin and his face pale .