two o'clock in the morning
Beatrice answered by putting her hand within Ishmael 's arm . And they followed the company to the supper room -- scene of splendor , magnificence , and luxury that baffles all description , except that of the reporter of the `` Republican Court Journal , '' who , in speaking of the supper , said : `` In all his former efforts , it was granted by everyone , that Devizac surpassed all others ; but in this supper at Judge Merlin 's , Devizac surpassed himself ! '' After supper Ishmael danced the last quadrille with Miss Tourneysee ; and when that was over , the time-honored old contra-dance of Sir Roger de Coverly was called , in which nearly all the company took part -- Ishmael dancing with a daughter of a distinguished senator , and a certain Captain Todd dancing with Bee . When the last dance was over , the hour being two o'clock in the morning , the party separated , well pleased with their evening 's entertainment . Ishmael went up to his den , and retired to bed : but ah ! not to repose . The unusual excitement of the evening , the light , the splendor , the luxury , the guests , and among them all the figures of Claudia and the viscount , haunting memory and stimulating imagination , forbade repose .