midnight
`` If she does , '' said he , `` she must forget the example set her by the best of mothers . '' Mrs. Temple could not reply ; but the delightful sensation that dilated her heart sparkled in her intelligent eyes and heightened the vermillion on her cheeks . Of all the pleasures of which the human mind is sensible , there is none equal to that which warms and expands the bosom , when listening to commendations bestowed on us by a beloved object , and are conscious of having deserved them . Ye giddy flutterers in the fantastic round of dissipation , who eagerly seek pleasure in the lofty dome , rich treat , and midnight revel -- tell me , ye thoughtless daughters of folly , have ye ever found the phantom you have so long sought with such unremitted assiduity ? Has she not always eluded your grasp , and when you have reached your hand to take the cup she extends to her deluded votaries , have you not found the long-expected draught strongly tinctured with the bitter dregs of disappointment ? I know you have : I see it in the wan cheek , sunk eye , and air of chagrin , which ever mark the children of dissipation . Pleasure is a vain illusion ; she draws you on to a thousand follies , errors , and I may say vices , and then leaves you to deplore your thoughtless credulity .