midnight
`` I do love you , '' said she , but so softly and so gently that she seemed to be dreaming . How many times have we not laughed over these recollections , already so remote . BOOK 2 . Toward midnight mamma made a sign to me with her eyes , and under cover of a lively waltz we slipped out of the drawing-room . In the hall the servants , who were passing to and fro , drew aside to let us go by them , but I felt that their eyes were fixed upon me with the curiosity which had pursued me since the morning . The large door giving on to the park was open , although the night was cool , and in the shadow I could make out groups of country folk gathered there to catch a glimpse of the festivities through the windows . These good people were laughing and whispering ; they were silent for a moment as we advanced to ascend the staircase , but I once more felt that I was the mark of these inquisitive looks and the object of all these smiles .