midnight
said Pearson . `` As far as his interest goes , unquestionably , '' replied the General . `` He has ever been the pump by which I have sucked the marrow out of many a plot , in special those of the conceited fool Rochecliffe , who is goose enough to believe that such a fellow as Tomkins would value any thing beyond the offer of the best bidder . And yet it groweth late -- I fear we must to the Lodge without him -- Yet , all things well considered , I will tarry here till midnight . -- Ah ! Everard , thou mightest put this gear to rights if thou wilt ! Shall some foolish principle of fantastic punctilio have more weight with thee , man , than have the pacification and welfare of England ; the keeping of faith to thy friend and benefactor , and who will be yet more so , and the fortune and security of thy relations ?