midnight
`` Then you must conserve your strength and be guided , '' said Mannering . `` I do beg of you to retire now , and insist upon Mary doing the same . Nothing can be gained by the dead , and necessary energy is lost to the living by this irrational vigil . It is far past midnight ; I beg you to retire , Sir Walter , and Mary , too . There is nothing that should keep you out of bed , and I urge you to go to it . '' But the elder refused . `` Few will sleep under this roof to-night , '' he said .