midnight
By nine o'clock the streets were almost deserted . Nor at the consulate was there often a change of bill . Keogh would come there nightly , for Coralio 's one cool place was the little seaward porch of that official residence . The brandy would be kept moving ; and before midnight sentiment would begin to stir in the heart of the self-exiled consul . Then he would relate to Keogh the story of his ended romance . Each night Keogh would listen patiently to the tale , and be ready with untiring sympathy . `` But do n't you think for a minute '' -- thus Johnny would always conclude his woeful narrative -- `` that I 'm grieving about that girl , Billy .