midnight
The last garland was fastened in its place , the last stray bit of evergreen and rubbish swept from the doors , the church garnished and beautiful to behold . There was the noisy bustle of preparing for departure and the calling back and forth : `` Be sure you are at midnight mass , Gabriel . '' `` Au revoir at midnight mass , Pelagie . '' `` I will see you at midnight mass , monsieur . '' And for me there was a moment of embarrassment . Was it my duty to offer myself as escort to any of the maidens ? For though the hour was early it was already dark .