midnight
`` Mind you , I do n't say I am going to work , '' he had said to his mother ; `` but if you think he can put it into me , he may try , '' and he repeated much the same sentiment , with a difference , to Sophy Dorset , who by way of civility , while the Rector 's wife paid court to Mr. May , talked to Clarence a little , from the corner of the ottoman close to the fire . `` Work ! well , I suppose so , after a sort . I do n't mean to make myself ill with midnight oil and that sort of thing , '' he said -LRB- he was not at all clear in his mind as to how the midnight oil was applied -RRB- , `` but if Mr. May can get it into me , I 'll give him leave ; for one thing , I suppose there will be nothing else to do . '' `` Not much in Carlingford ; there are neither pictures , nor museums , nor fine buildings , nor anything of the sort ; and very little society ; a few tea-parties , and one ball in the season . '' Mr. Clarence Copperhead shrugged his large shoulders . `` I sha n't go to the tea-parties , that 's certain , '' he said ; `` a fellow must hunt a little , I suppose , as the place is so destitute .