twelve o'clock
`` And he told you , too , that we parted good friends , -- at least , as much so as a poor man like myself could be to a born gentleman like him . '' `` That he did , '' cried Grounsell , eagerly ; `` and young Mr. Dalton is not the man to think the worse of your friendship because you are not his equal in rank . '' `` I see , -- I believe I see it all , '' said Meekins , with the same sententious slowness as before . `` Now look , doctor , '' added he , fixing a cold and steady stare on the other 's features , `` it is late in the night , -- not far from twelve o'clock , -- and I ask you , would n't it be better for you to be asleep in your bed , and leave me to rest quietly in mine , rather than be fencing -- ay , fencing here -- with one another , trying who is the deepest ? Just answer me that , sir . '' `` You want to offend me , '' said Grounsell , rising . `` No , sir ; but it would be offending yourself to suppose that it was worth your while to deceive the like of me , -- a poor , helpless man , without a friend in the world . ''