midnight before
Mr. Watling was the least excited of them all ; remarkably calm , I thought , for a man on the verge of realizing his life 's high ambition . He had some old brandy , and a box of cigars he had been saving for an occasion . He managed to convey to everyone his appreciation of the value of their cooperation ... . It was midnight before Mr. Scherer arose to take his departure . He seized Mr. Watling 's hand , warmly , in both of his own . `` I have never , '' he said , with a relapse into the German f 's , `` I have never had a happier moment in my life , my friend , than when I congratulate you on your success . '' His voice shook with emotion .