midnight
`` ` In everything your will shall be law , ' '' continued Coleman , writing . `` Oh ! I say , that 's coming it rather strong , though , '' interposed Lawless , `` query about that ? '' `` All right , '' rejoined Coleman , `` it 's always customary to say so in these cases , but it means nothing ; as to the real question of mastery , that is a matter to be decided post-nuptially ; you 'll be enlightened on the subject before long in a series of midnight discourses , commonly known under the title of curtain-lectures . '' `` Pleasant , eh ? '' returned Lawless ; `` well , I bet two to one on the grey mare , for I never could stand being preached to , and shall consent to anything for the sake of a quiet life -- so move on . '' `` ` If this offer of my heart and hand should be favourably received by the loveliest of her sex , ' '' continued Coleman , `` ` a line , a word , a smile , a -- ' '' `` ` Wink , ' '' suggested Lawless .