midnight
`` I must love you very much , Chouette , for you make me do just what you like , '' said Tortillard , slowly advancing . The dim , wavering light of the candle , which but imperfectly lighted this gloomy way , reflected the black profile of this hideous brat on the slimy walls , which were full of crevices and reeking with damp . At the end of this passage , through the half obscurity , might be seen the low and crumbling arch of the entrance to the cellar , the thick door strengthened with iron bars , and , standing out in the shade , the red shawl and white cap of the Chouette . By the united exertions of the two , the door opened harshly on its rusty hinges ; a puff of humid vapour escaped from this den , as dark as midnight . The light , placed on the ground , threw its faint beams on the first steps of the stone staircase , the bottom of which was completely lost in the darkness . A cry , or , rather , a savage roar , came from the depths of the cave . `` Ah , there 's _ fourline _ wishing his mamma good-morning ! ''