midnight
said the vaudevillist , `` what should I do there ? My face does n't lend itself to condolences . And it is very vulgar in these days to go and see people who are down . '' By midnight Madame Rabourdin 's salon was deserted ; only two or three guests remained with des Lupeaulx and the master and mistress of the house . When Schinner and Monsieur and Madame de Camps had likewise departed , des Lupeaulx rose with a mysterious air , stood with his back to the fireplace and looked alternately at the husband and wife . `` My friends , '' he said , `` nothing is really lost , for the minister and I are faithful to you . Dutocq simply chose between two powers the one he thought strongest .