about midnight
I took pity on his fatigue , and devoured my heart in silence . At each stage we heard of the party of which we were in pursuit . At the first stage or two we were less than an hour behind ; gradually , as we advanced , we lost ground , despite the most lavish liberality to the post-boys . I supposed , at length , that the mere circumstance of changing , at each relay , the chaise as well as the horses , was the cause of our comparative slowness ; and on saying this to Roland as we were changing horses , somewhere about midnight , he at once called up the master of the inn and gave him his own price for permission to retain the chaise till the journey 's end . This was so unlike Roland 's ordinary thrift , whether dealing with my money or his own , -- so unjustified by the fortune of either , -- that I could not help muttering something in apology . `` Can you guess why I was a miser ? '' said Roland , calmly .