midnight before
`` Even so -- but it was done in his presence , and if not absolutely with his consent , with his knowledge . When he informed me of your superior rights , I insisted on its being done , at once , so , should any accident occur , you will be heir at law , as a matter of course . Cousin Jack affected reluctance , but I believe he slept more sweetly , for the consciousness that this act of justice had been done . '' `` I fear he slept little , as it was ; it was long past midnight before I left him , and the agitation of his spirits was such as to appear awful in the eyes of a son ! '' `` And the promised explanation is to come , to renew his distress ! Why make it at all ? is it not enough that we are certain that you are his child ?