midnight
The rear-admiral merely smiled and touched his hat in acknowledgment of the compliment , but he made no direct answer in words . By this time Sir Wycherly and the others had approached , and the customary introductions took place . Sir Wycherly now pressed his new acquaintance to join his guests , with so much heartiness , that there was no such thing as refusing . `` Since you and Sir Gervaise both insist on it so earnestly , Sir Wycherly , '' returned the rear-admiral , `` I must consent ; but as it is contrary to our practice , when on foreign service -- and I call this roadstead a foreign station , as to any thing we know about it -- as it is contrary to our practice for both flag-officers to sleep out of the fleet , I shall claim the privilege to be allowed to go off to my ship before midnight . I think the weather looks settled , Sir Gervaise , and we may trust that many hours , without apprehension . '' `` Pooh -- pooh -- Bluewater , you are always fancying the ships in a gale , and clawing off a lee-shore . Put your heart at rest , and let us go and take a comfortable dinner with Sir Wycherly , who has a London paper , I dare to say , that may let us into some of the secrets of state .