midnight
In memory of S. G. '' _ `` Mary Grice . In memory of Susan Grice . '' _ Mat 's hand closed fast on the Bracelet -- and dropped heavily on his knee , as he uttered those words . * * * * * * The pantomime which Zack had gone to see , was so lengthened out by encores of incidental songs and dances , that it was not over till close on midnight . When he left the theater , the physical consequences of breathing a vitiated atmosphere made themselves felt immediately in the regions of his mouth , throat , and stomach . Those ardent aspirations in the direction of shell-fish and malt liquor , which it is especially the mission of the English drama to create , overcame him as he issued into the fresh air , and took him to the local oyster shop for refreshment and change of scene . Having the immediate prospect of the private Drawing Academy vividly and menacingly present before his eyes , Zack thought of the future for once in his life , and astonished the ministering vassals of the oyster shop -LRB- with all of whom he was on terms of intimate friendship -RRB- , by enjoying himself with exemplary moderation at the festive board .