midnight
Would to Heaven it contained less of truth ! The world has seen many men like `` Mr. Pump , '' and many have through their instrumentality fallen ; many not to rise till ages shall have obliterated all memory of the past , with all its unnatural loves ! Whilst others , having struggled on for years , have at length seen a feeble ray of light penetrating the dark clouds that overshadowed their path , which light continued to increase , till , in all its beauty , the star of temperance shone forth , by which they strove ever after to be guided . It was near midnight when Mr. Pump left . The two had become quite sociable , and Mr. Pump saw the effect of his brandy in the unusual gayety of Edward . The latter was not lost to reflection ; and now that he was alone , thoughts of home , his business , and many other matters , came confusedly into his mind . Letters he had received of warning and advice .