midnight
I shall not resent it ; but if I find a chance I will try to let her know I understand . '' But I had no chance on the way to mass . Madame Saugrain seemed to take it for granted that Captain Clarke and the doctor would walk with mademoiselle , and I was her peculiar property ; and I suppose I had given her the right to think so by always pointedly devoting myself to her . It was a solemn service at that midnight hour : the bare little church made beautiful with our garlands of green , and the twinkle of many candles around the altar ; the heads bowed in prayer ; the subdued murmur of voices making the responses ; the swelling note of triumph in the Gregorian chant ; and then coming out under the quiet stars and exchanging greetings with friend and neighbor . And last of all the quiet walk home , and , to my surprise , I was walking by mademoiselle 's side . I was surprised , for it was not of my arranging , and it set my blood to leaping to think it was possibly of hers . I made up my mind that no word of mine should mar the friendliness of the act , and I plunged quickly into a lively discussion of the ball that was to take place at Madame Chouteau 's on Christmas evening .