midnight
He sat down in triumph ; he had made a most effective and a most mischievous speech , -- a combination extremely common . The leader of the Opposition replied to him with bitter calmness ; and when citing some of his sharp sentences , he turned to the premier , and asked , `` Are these opinions those also of the noble lord ? I call for a reply , -- I have a right to demand a reply , '' Lumley was startled to hear the tone in which his chief uttered the comprehensive and significant '' _ Hear , hear _ ! '' At midnight the premier wound up the debate ; his speech was short , and characterized by moderation . He came to the question put to him . The House was hushed , -- you might have heard a pin drop ; the Commoners behind the throne pressed forward with anxiety and eagerness on their countenances . `` I am called upon , '' said the minister , `` to declare if those sentiments , uttered by my noble friend , are mine also , as the chief adviser of the Crown .