midnight
Everything is for the best . '' He covered the box in which his gold was concealed with earth , and then the two men returned to the drawing-room . They remained in earnest conversation for some time , Vauquelas disclosing his plans for the future , the other listening and proffering occasional but judicious suggestions . It was after midnight when they separated . Coursegol walked home . Twice he was stopped by the patrols , but , thanks to the credentials he carried with him , he was allowed to pursue his way unmolested . A week later , Dolores and Coursegol left Bridoul 's house to take up their abode in that of Vauquelas .