twelve o’clock at night
The perfect government of woman is a task to rend a man 's heart , and we are compelled to remain in perfect submission to them ; that is , I imagine , the best manner in which to solve the most agonising enigma of marriage . Now Marie d'Annebaut was delighted with the bearing and offers of this gallant ; but there was something in her smile which indicated a malicious idea , and , to speak plainly , the intention of putting her young guardian between honour and pleasure ; to regale him so with love , to surround him with so many little attentions , to pursue him with such warm glances , that he would be faithless to friendship , to the advantage of gallantry . Everything was in perfect trim for the carrying out of her design , because of the companionship which the Sire de Lavalliere would be obliged to have with her during his stay in the hotel , and as there is nothing in the world can turn a woman from her whim , at every turn the artful jade was ready to catch him in a trap . At times she would make him remain seated near her by the fire , until twelve o'clock at night , singing soft refrains , and at every opportunity showed her fair shoulders , and the white temptations of which her corset was full , and casting upon him a thousand piercing glances , all without showing in her face the thoughts that surged in her brain . At times she would walk with him in the morning , in the gardens of the hotel , leaning heavily upon his arm , pressing it , sighing , and making him tie the laces of her little shoes , which were always coming undone in that particular place . Then it would be those soft words and things which the ladies understand so well , little attentions paid to a guest , such as coming in to see if he were comfortable , if his bed were well made , the room clean , if the ventilation were good , if he felt any draughts in the night , if the sun came in during the day , and asking him to forgo none of his usual fancies and habits , saying -- `` Are you accustomed to take anything in the morning in bed , such as honey , milk , or spice ? Do the meal times suit you ?