about midnight
When I win a pair of gloves , it is a satisfaction to me to reflect that in Houbigant or Pivert there is no venom or guile . All these consoling thoughts , and more , passed through my mind that evening ; yet I could not get rid of a strange , indistinct impression that it was only the presence of Livingstone which averted some great danger imminent over his cousin and Forrester . `` This is all The gain we reap , from all the wisdom sown Through ages . Nothing doubted those first sons Of time ; while we , the schooled of centuries , Nothing believe -- '' We were scattered round the smoking-room , about midnight , in different attitudes of repose . Bruce was of the party , decidedly out of his element . He did not like tobacco much , and only took a cigar as a sacrifice to the exigencies of the occasion , consuming the same with great toil and exertion of the lungs , and when he removed it from his lips , holding it at arm 's length , like a viper or other venomous beast . `` Charley , '' asked Fallowfield , at length , from the depths of his divan , `` how is the regiment going on ?