about midnight
The conversation was changed ; and at noon Mr. Merton , who had heard of Cleveland 's arrival , called at Burleigh to renew an old acquaintance . He invited them to pass the evening at the rectory ; and Cleveland , hearing that whist was a regular amusement , accepted the invitation for his host and himself . But when the evening came , Maltravers pleaded indisposition , and Cleveland was obliged to go alone . When the old gentleman returned about midnight , he found Maltravers awaiting him in the library ; and Cleveland , having won fourteen points , was in a very gay , conversable humour . `` You perverse hermit ! '' said he , `` talk of solitude , indeed , with so pleasant a family a hundred yards distant ! You deserve to be solitary , -- I have no patience with you .