Midnight
`` He spared himself no trouble over writing it , '' said Lothair . `` For , besides being inspired to it by Kolbe 's picture , Le Bret 's ` History of Venice ' was always open on his table , and he had views of the streets and palaces of Venice hanging all about his room ; heaven only knows where he had got hold of them all . That is why the story is so bright with local colouring . '' Midnight having tolled , the friends separated in the most genial frame of mind , and in true Serapiontic manner . * * * * * Vincent and Sylvester having joined the Brotherhood , Lothair delivered a long harangue to them , in which he set forth , in most entertaining fashion , at great length , and with much minuteness , the duties incumbent upon a true Serapion Brother . `` And now , '' he concluded , `` give me your solemn word , dear and worthy novices of our Order , confirming the same by solemn handgrip , that you will faithfully observe and follow the rule of Saint Serapion ; that is to say , that you will , at all times , and in all circumstances , devote your every endeavour to be -- at the meetings of the Brotherhood -- as genial , witty , kindly , and sympathetic as may be in your power . ''