midnight
` Excellent . ' Cecilia was convinced that Mr. Culbrett underestimated Beauchamp . Nevertheless the confidence expressed in Beauchamp 's defeat reassured and pleased her . At midnight she was dancing with him in the midst of great matronly country vessels that raised a wind when they launched on the waltz , and exacted an anxious pilotage on the part of gentlemen careful of their partners ; and why I can not say , but contrasts produce quaint ideas in excited spirits , and a dancing politician appeared to her so absurd that at one moment she had to bite her lips not to laugh . It will hardly be credited that the waltz with Nevil was delightful to Cecilia all the while , and dancing with others a penance . He danced with none other . He led her to a three o'clock morning supper : one of those triumphant subversions of the laws and customs of earth which have the charm of a form of present deification for all young people ; and she , while noting how the poor man 's advocate dealt with costly pasties and sparkling wines , was overjoyed at his hearty comrade 's manner with the gentlemen , and a leadership in fun that he seemed to have established .