midnight
Small tables of ebony and silver , and dumb waiters of ivory and gold , conveniently stored , are at hand , and Spiridion never leaves the room . The repast was refined , exquisite , various . It was one of those meetings where all eat . When a few persons , easy and unconstrained , unencumbered with cares , and of dispositions addicted to enjoyment , get together at past midnight , it is extraordinary what an appetite they evince . Singers also are proverbially prone to gourmandise ; and though the Bird of Paradise unfortunately possessed the smallest mouth in all Singingland , it is astonishing how she pecked ! But they talked as well as feasted , and were really gay . ` Prince , ' said the Duke , ` I hope Madame de Harestein approves of your trip to England ? '