about midnight
Montoni , in a long conversation with M. Quesnel , arranged the plan to be pursued respecting Emily , and M. Quesnel proposed to be at Venice , as soon as he should be informed , that the nuptials were concluded . It was new to Emily to part with any person , with whom she was connected , without feeling of regret ; the moment , however , in which she took leave of M. and Madame Quesnel , was , perhaps , the only satisfactory one she had known in their presence . Morano returned in Montoni 's barge , and Emily , as she watched her gradual approach to that magic city , saw at her side the only person , who occasioned her to view it with less than perfect delight . They arrived there about midnight , when Emily was released from the presence of the Count , who , with Montoni , went to a Casino , and she was suffered to retire to her own apartment . On the following day , Montoni , in a short conversation , which he held with Emily , informed her , that he would no longer be _ trifled _ with , and that , since her marriage with the Count would be so highly advantageous to her , that folly only could object to it , and folly of such extent as was incapable of conviction , it should be celebrated without further delay , and , if that was necessary , without her consent . Emily , who had hitherto tried remonstrance , had now recourse to supplication , for distress prevented her from foreseeing , that , with a man of Montoni 's disposition , supplication would be equally useless . She afterwards enquired by what right he exerted this unlimited authority over her , a question , which her better judgment would have withheld her , in a calmer moment , from making , since it could avail her nothing , and would afford Montoni another opportunity of triumphing over her defenceless condition .