midnight
` How delightful ! ' those boys are thinking , '' said Hester , laughing . `` I am sure , '' said Sophia , `` it is anything but delightful to me . I remember , last time , Sydney brought some squibs into the garden , and let them off while mamma and I were in the shrubbery ; and we could none of us get to sleep till after midnight for the light of the bonfire down the street . '' `` They should manage those things more quietly , '' observed Mr Grey . `` This time , however , there will be only a little effusion of joy , and then an end ; for they say Ballinger will carry every vote in the place . '' `` Why , father ! ''