midnight
They will not call in a physician , but hurry off first for the clergyman . I do n't know that it is altogether to avoid doctor 's bills , but it amounts to that in effect . Of course in this case it made no difference ; but I have had to make it a rule not to go out at night unless they bring me a physician 's card with his assurance that it is a genuine affair . Why , only last winter , I was routed up after midnight , and brought off in the mud and pelting rain up one of the new streets on the hillside there , simply because a factory girl who was laced too tight had fainted at a dance . I slipped and fell into a puddle in the darkness , ruined a new overcoat , and got drenched to the skin ; and when I arrived the girl had recovered and was dancing away again , thirteen to the dozen . It was then that I made the rule . I hope , Mr. Ware , that Octavius is producing a pleasant impression upon you so far ? ''