two o'clock
I experience an unalloyed delight in acting but as he directs , in having no ideas but his ; for I love him , -- ah , yes , I love him ! And yet he shall always be in ignorance of this , the lasting passion of my life . '' * * * * * Whilst Madame d'Harville is waiting for La Goualeuse , we will conduct the reader into the presence of the prisoners . It was just two o'clock by the dial of the prison of St. Lazare . The cold , which had lasted for several days , had been succeeded by soft , mild , and almost spring weather ; the rays of the sun were reflected in the water of the large square basin , with its stone corners , formed in the centre of a courtyard planted with trees , and surrounded by dark , high walls pierced with a great many iron-barred windows . Wooden benches were fastened here and there in this large paved enclosure , which served for the walking-place of the prisoners . The ringing of a bell announcing the hour of recreation , the prisoners came in throngs by a thick wicket-door which was opened to them .