midnight
The Bolognian , mistaking him for a Tuscan , `` Sir , '' said he , `` I presume you are from Florence . I hope the illustrious house of Lorrain leaves you gentlemen of that famous city no room to regret the loss of your own princes . '' The castle of Versailles becoming the subject of conversation , Monsieur le Compte appealed to him , as to a native German , whether it was not inferior in point of magnificence to the chateau of Grubenhagen . The Dutch officer , addressing himself to Fathom , drank to the prosperity of Faderland , and asked if he had not once served in garrison at Shenkenschans ; and an English knight swore , with great assurance , that he had frequently rambled with him at midnight among the hundreds of Drury . To each person he replied in a polite , though mysterious manner , which did not fail to enhance their opinion of his good breeding and importance ; and , long before the dessert appeared , he was by all the company supposed to be a personage of great consequence , who for some substantial reasons , found it convenient to keep himself incognito . This being the case , it is not to be doubted that particular civilities were poured upon him from all quarters . He perceived their sentiments , and encouraged them , by behaving with that sort of complaisance which seems to be the result of engaging condescension in a character of superior dignity and station .