midnight
I shall not hold out much longer -- sweetest of girls -- here it is quiet and dark . '' Yes , in a little nook made by two contiguous houses , and into which Pollux drew Arsinoe , it was pitch dark , as he hastily pressed his first kiss on her innocent lips ; but in their hearts it was light-radiant sunshine . She had thrown her arms round his neck and would willingly have clung to him till day should end ; but they heard the approach of a noisy procession of slaves . These unfortunate creatures began soon after midnight singing and shouting so as to avail themselves to the extremist limit of the holiday , which released them for a short time from their tasks and duties ; Pollux knew well how unbounded the license of their pleasures could be , and as he walked on with Arsinoe he enjoined her to keep with him as close as possible to the houses . `` How jolly they are ! '' he said pointing to the merry-makers . `` Their masters will wait on themselves a little to-day , and the best day in the year is just beginning for them , but for us the best day in all our lives . ''