midnight
`` I hope not , '' answered she , in some consternation ; while Mrs Harrel , believing his intention was to rob them , ran precipitately to the bell , which she rang without ceasing till two or three servants hastened into the room ; by which time , being less alarmed , she only made signs to them to stay , and stood quietly herself to wait what would follow . The old man , without attending to her , continued his dialogue with Cecilia . `` Know you then , '' he said , `` a blameless use of riches ? such a use as not only in the broad glare of day shall shine resplendent , but in the darkness of midnight , and stillness of repose , shall give you reflections unembittered , and slumbers unbroken ? tell me , know you this use ? '' `` Not so well , perhaps , '' answered she , `` as I ought ; but I am very willing to learn better . '' `` Begin , then , while yet youth and inexperience , new to the callousness of power and affluence , leave something good to work upon : yesterday you saw the extravagance of luxury and folly ; to-day look deeper , and see , and learn to pity , the misery of disease and penury . ''