midnight
let the fates speak , old man , for this world has given me nothing but pain and shame . Am I -- '' she pauses , her eyes wander to the floor , her cheeks crimson , she seizes the old man by the hand , and her bosom heaves as if a fierce passion had just been kindled within it . The old man preserves his equanimity , says he has a fortune to tell her . Fortunes are best told at midnight . The stars , too , let out their secrets more willingly when the night-king rules . He bids her follow him , and totters back to the little parlor . With a wise air , he bids her be seated on the sofa , saying he never mistakes maidens when they call at this hour .