midnight
`` Indifferent well , '' said I , carelessly . `` There are , doubtless , others who have gained a higher proficiency in the craft ; but as I am still young , I 'll not despair of future eminence . '' He heaved a deep sigh , and leaned his head upon his hand . I fancied I could read what was passing in his mind , and , at a haphazard , said , `` You are contrasting the catalogue with that of your own acquirements , and perhaps asking yourself , to what end all the midnight toil of scholarship ? Why have I labored hard , with aching brow and fevered heart , when one with vulgar attainments like these , -- the scattered fragments , the crumbs that fall from the table of real knowledge , -- can secure a better livelihood and more real independence than myself ; and the reason is , mine are marketable wares that find purchasers in every class , and among every gradation of society . ` My lord ' must have his courier ; so must the rich cotton-spinner or the barrister on his wedding-tour . The wealthy dowager , the blooming widow , the ex-minister travelling for ` distraction ' the young heir journeying for dissipation , the prelate , the banker , the ruined duke , the newly enriched mill-owner , -- all , however differing in other points , agree in this one want , and must have one who will think for them and speak for them , bargain and bully for them , assert their rank and importance wherever they appear ; so that of the obstacles of travel , its difficulties and contrarieties , they should know as little as though their road lay between London and Croydon . ''