midnight
Sam , however , disconcerted the plan by his prompt , ready answer , `` I _ mean _ to speak up , sir . '' Sam , as we know , clearly brought out the Dodson and Fogg 's damaging assurance to Mrs. Bardell , that no costs should be charged to her personally . When the Plaintiff 's case was closed , things did not look particularly bright for Mr. Pickwick . It had been shown on the evidence of his own friends that he had been surprised with his landlady in his arms ; -LRB- 2 -RRB- That he had been corresponding with her on most familiar terms -- at least Serjeant Buzfuz had made it appear so ; -LRB- 3 -RRB- Language that _ almost _ amounted to a proposal had been overheard ; -LRB- 4 -RRB- And finally , it had been revealed that the Defendant had been `` caught '' in a lady 's bedroom , at an Inn , at midnight ! To answer which a `` strong '' case was absolutely essential . This , we grieve to say , was not forthcoming . When we listen to the defence set up for Mr. Pickwick we have to lament that that worthy gentleman was not better served by his legal advisers .