midnight
All this was a very pleasant surprise . Mrs Proudie had somewhat changed her tactics ; not that she had seen any cause to disapprove of her former line of conduct , but she had now brought matters to such a point that she calculated that she might safely do so . She had got the better of Mr Slope , and she now thought well to show her husband that when allowed to get the better of everybody , when obeyed by him and permitted to rule over others , she would take care that he should have his reward . Mr Slope had not a chance against her ; not only could she stun the poor bishop by her midnight anger , but she could assuage and soothe him , if she so willed by daily indulgences . She could furnish his room for him , turn him out as smart a bishop as any on the bench , give him good dinners , warm fires , and an easy life ; all this she would do if he would but be quietly obedient . But if not -- ! To speak sooth , however , his sufferings on that dreadful night had been as poignant , as to leave him little spirit for further rebellion .