midnight
`` Your fiddlestick , bear this ! I wish some one would give me £ 150,000 to carry out my pet fad . I 'd bear it , and go on bearing it , quite gallantly , I assure you , my friend . '' A very happy pair of people were left to chat in Cassall 's drawing-room as the midnight drew near . Sir James had retired early after the two good old boys had addressed each other as buccaneers and shellbacks , and made all sorts of nautical jokes . The discussion as to who should be admiral promised to supply a month 's fun , but Cassall pretended to remember that Phoenix Sawbones would certainly wish to be commander , on account of the young puppy 's experience . Marion whispered to her uncle , `` I do believe you will make yourself very happy ; '' and the old gentleman answered , `` It really seems to be more like a question of making _ you _ happy , you little jilt . ''