midnight
Where was the most terrible and fiercest of all ? They did not know , but at the end of some time he appeared from the glade , bringing with him Socorro , the most sentimental of Don Cristobal 's undines . His cruel features bore an expression of triumph , and hers evinced the shame and submission of a captive . Many hours later , near midnight , seated at a table of the Café Marañón , and surrounded by eight or ten of his companions , the lieutenant of the Third related with a malevolent smile his conquest of the nymph , calculating that he had managed to imprint at least twenty-five or thirty kisses on different parts of her bewitching face , and all the sons of Mars applauded and celebrated this fresh triumph of their heroic companion with Homeric shouts of laughter . Finally the conquerors modified their tyranny , and order was re-established , thanks to the opportune arrival of the Señoritas de Meré , who appeared with Maria Josefa and Paco Gomez . The little ladies , the only ones , in fact , to whom the matrimonial event was due , had turned over their boxes for a befitting toilette for the occasion , and Carmelita wore a dress of black bombazin , which only came out on state occasions , whilst Nuncita , being younger and less sedate , was able to wear a clear dress bordered with flowers , such as are only seen in pictures of the past century . They were very cheerful , satisfaction shone in their eyes , but their legs were not equal to the eternal youth of their hearts ; they supported themselves on sticks , and leant with their free hands on the arms of their companions .