midnight
A good head , fine intelligent hazel eyes , and a profusion of curling dark brown hair , redeemed his countenance from mediocrity ; but its careworn , anxious expression , showed too clearly , that some great life-sorrow , had blighted the early promise of youth and hope . It was some days before I had an opportunity of becoming better acquainted with him . We were preparing for the spring assizes , and there was work enough in the office to have employed twice the number of hands . Nothing was heard but the scratching of pens upon paper , from early day until midnight . At last the hurry was over , and we had more leisure to look about us . Mr. Moncton was attending a circuit in the country , and his watchful eye was no longer upon us . The clerks were absent at dinner ; Mr. Harrison and I were alone in the office , which he never left till six , when he returned to his lodgings in Charlotte Street to dine ; and unless there happened to be a great stress of business which required his presence , we saw him no more that night .