midnight
`` Well , my dear friend , '' said the Warden , stretching himself and yawning , `` it is over . Come into my study with me , and we will have a devilled turkey-bone and a pint of sherry in peace and comfort . '' `` I fear I can make no figure at such a supper , '' said Redclyffe . `` But I admire your inexhaustibleness in being ready for midnight refreshment after such a feast . '' `` 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 .