midnight
The count replied that Falmouth was his intimate friend ; he had received a special report that Falmouth was dying , just as he was on the point of mounting his horse . ` We sha n't have lost time , ' said Mr. Hill . The Government wanted votes . I went down to the House of Commons at midnight to see him . He had then heard of Falmouth 's hopeless condition , and after extracting my political views , which were for the nonce those of a happy subserviency , he expressed his belief that the new writ for the borough of Chippenden might be out , and myself seated on the Government benches , within a very short period . Nor would it be necessary , he thought , for the Government nominee to spend money : ` though that does not affect you , Mr. Richmond ! ' My supposed wealth gave me currency even in political circles .