midnight
` I thank you gentlemen , for your kind consideration , ' said Frank ; ` I trust I may never be necessitated to apply to any of my friends , for aid in a disagreeable emergency -- but should such ever unfortunately be the case , be assured that I shall not hesitate to avail myself of your generous assistance . ' ` Bravo -- capital -- excellent ! ' responded the choir of flatterers , in full chorus , and their glasses were again emptied in honor of their host . It was midnight ere these worthies took their departure . When at length they were all gone , and Frank found himself alone , he exclaimed -- ` Thank heaven , I am at last rid of those miserable and servile fellows , who in my presence load me with the most extravagant praise and adulation , while behind my back they doubtless ridicule my supposed credulity . I have too long tolerated them -- henceforth , I discard and cast them off . ' He approached the window , and drawing aside the curtain , looked forth into the streets .