midnight
Christophe understood the appeal in the eyes of his friend , who clung to him with touching confidence , imploring him , -- and dictating his answer . Then he spoke of the calm faith or strength , sure of itself , words which the old man was expecting , and they comforted him . The old man and the young had forgotten the years that lay between , them ; they were near each other , like brothers of the same age , loving and helping each other ; the weaker sought the support of the stronger ; the old man took refuge in the young man 's soul . They parted after midnight ; Christophe had to get up early to catch the train by which he had come . And so he did not loiter as he undressed . The old man had prepared his guests room as though for a visit of several months . He had put a bowl of roses on the table and a branch of laurel .