midnight
They leaped at one bound to the conclusion that there was a romance attached to him . Do not be startled . An attested tail-coat , clearly out of its element , must contain a story : that story must be interesting ; until its secret is divulged , the subtle essence of it spreads an aureole around the tail . The ladies declared , in their subsequent midnight conference , that Mr. Barrett was fit for any society . They had visions of a great family reduced ; of a proud son choosing to earn his bread honourably and humbly , by turning an exquisite taste to account . Many visions of him they had , and were pleased . Patronage of those beneath , much more than the courting of those above them , delighted the ladies of Brookfield .