midnight
She lives a lonely , innocent life in the midst of corruption , like the lilies I find here in the marshew , and I have great pity for her . ` God defend her , ' I said to-night to a fellow clerk , ` I see no help for her . ' I know there is a natural , and I think proper , horror of mixed blood -LRB- excuse the mention , sweet mother -RRB- , and I feel it , too ; and yet if she were in Holland today , not one of a hundred suitors would detect the hidden blemish . '' In such strain this young man wrote on trying to demonstrate the utter impossibility of his ever loving the lovable unfortunate , until the midnight tolling of the cathedral clock sent him to bed . About the same hour Zalli and ` Tite Poulette were kissing good-night . '' ` Tite Poulette , I want you to promise me one thing . '' `` Well , Maman ? ''