midnight
Here the Captain appealed to the clerk , in order to ascertain if such was the case . `` Never mind ! '' said the lady , interrupting him , `` for the matter of a state-room it is of no importance ! You will reach my plantation before midnight , and therefore I shall not require to sleep aboard . '' The phrase , `` my plantation , '' evidently had an effect upon the Captain . Naturally not a rude man , it seemed to render him still more attentive and polite . The proprietor of a Louisiana plantation is a somebody not to be treated with nonchalance ; but , when that proprietor chances to be a young and charming lady , who could be otherwise than amiable ?