midnight
`` Not a glass of good liquor has moistened my lips to-night , '' said the Warden , `` save and except such as was supplied by a decanter of water made brown with toast ; and such a sip as I took to the health of the Queen , and another to that of the Ambassador to Hohen-Linden . It is the only way , when a man has this vast labor of speechifying to do ; and indeed there is no possibility of keeping up a jolly countenance for such a length of time except on toast-water . '' They accordingly adjourned to the Warden 's sanctum , where that worthy dignitary seemed to enjoy himself over his sherry and cracked bones , in a degree that he probably had not heretofore ; while Redclyffe , whose potations had been more liberal , and who was feverish and disturbed , tried the effect of a little brandy and soda-water . As often happens at such midnight symposiums , the two friends found themselves in a more kindly and confidential vein than had happened before , great as had been the kindness and confidence already grown up between them . Redclyffe told his friend of Lord Braithwaite 's invitation , and of his own resolution to accept it . `` Why not ? You will do well , '' said the Warden ; `` and you will find his Lordship an accustomed host , and the old house most interesting .