midnight
`` We must see what we can find . '' It was years since he had dared to investigate his own pantries ; but under the spur of Miss Arminster 's necessities he achieved prodigies of valour , even breaking into that holy of holies , his sister 's jam-closet . The little actress aided and abetted him , creating havoc among jars of sardines , olives , and caviare . And then , while they were in the midst of their midnight orgy , a figure appeared before them -- a figure clad in an indescribable dressing-gown and carrying a bedroom candle . `` Josephus , '' said the apparition , `` is that you ? '' `` Yes , my dear , '' replied the Bishop , with his mouth full of jam tart , `` it is . '' `` I wonder you 've the face to enter the house ! ''