midnight
A faint ghost of a smile -- was it , or was it not ? -- flickered on the old man 's lips ; but he gave no sign of grace . Hepsey sighed , and paused for an instant . `` Well -- we ca n't sit here talkin ' till midnight , or I shall be compromisin ' your reputation , I suppose . There 'll be a meeting of the parishioners called at the end of this week , and the rector wo n't be present at it ; so , Warden , I suppose you 'll preside . I hope you will . I 've got to do my part -- and that is to see that the parish understands just how their rector 's placed , right now , both about his house and his salary .