midnight
His services are freely given to many societies . Old and young , rich and poor , can testify to the fact . Yet he does not rest here . Many an hour the midnight oil has burned low as this thoughtful student sat poring over pile upon pile of some old work as he kept up his never-flagging research , or penned his thoughts with marvellous rapidity . As anyone appears to better advantage in a neat , cosy little library , with a bright fire burning in the grate , than in a cheerless , dim and prosy den , called by way of courtesy , an `` office , '' we thus look in upon the young man of books and letters . Phillip Lawson has just returned from a meeting in connexion with his church , and judging from his haggard looks , has had a busy day . His bright-eyed little sister has made her appearance at his elbow , and has placed upon the pretty five-o'clock table a cup of coffee and some of her own making of tea-cakes .