midnight
Think of the persons whom you respect most , and in imitating them you will secure the respect of those who look up to you . I 'd rather my boys should be laughed at and cold-shouldered by a hundred foolish fellows than lose what , once gone , no power can give them back -- innocence and self-respect . I do n't wonder you find it `` hard to toe the mark '' , when books , pictures , ball-rooms , theatres , and streets offer temptations ; yet you can resist , if you try . Last winter Mrs Brooke used to worry about John 's being out so late reporting ; but when she spoke to him about the things he must see and hear on his way to and fro from the office at midnight , he said in his sober way , `` I know what you mean , mother ; but no fellow need to go wrong unless he wants to . '' ` That 's like the Deacon ! ' exclaimed Stuffy , with an approving smile on his fat face . ` I 'm glad you told me that .