midnight
Let us hear how you have been occupying your valuable time . '' `` In the first place , I have been studying tolerably hard , little cousin . It seems very improbable , does it not ? The midnight oil has not yet paled my cheeks to the sickly and interesting hue that belongs to a student . Still the proof is that I have passed my examination triumphantly . I will show you my prizes by and by , and they will speak for themselves . Next , I have joined a debating society of young students who are preparing to become lawyers .