midnight
Count Saxe , lying back in his corner of the chaise , talked of Gaston , of his manliness , his courage , his charm ; and of Francezka , whom he could not praise enough . I saw that a cloud had passed from his life with Gaston 's return . He told me that Francezka 's face haunted him , and the absence of any reproach on her part for the imprudence which led to Gaston 's capture went like a poniard to his heart . We reached the Luxembourg before midnight , and were abroad by daylight . I , myself , went to the café of the Green Basket , where news was to be gathered , and found that wild rumors were afloat concerning Gaston Cheverny 's return . Within the next two days we got positive confirmation of it , and , also , a letter from Francezka . It was written in a trembling hand , unlike her usual firm , clear writing .