midnight
The sinister clamour without was indeed worse than ever . It had become one continuous howl , deep and threatening , as if a thousand mad creatures were yelling with full throats and out-stretched necks . One might imagine heavy sea-guns shooting out their deafening boom in the distance , but that was only the sea hammering the coast of Ploubazlanec on all points ; undoubtedly it did not appear contented , and Gaud felt her heart shrink at this dismal music , which no one had ordered for their wedding-feast . Towards midnight , during a calm , Yann , who had risen softly , beckoned his wife to come to speak with him . It was to go home . She blushed , filled with shame , and confused at having left her seat so promptly . She said it would be impolite to go away directly and leave the others .