midnight
She turned round as she placed her foot on the step , and dropped her fan upon the muddy pavement ; I picked it up , and returned it to her with a bow . She thanked me in French , and whispered hurriedly , `` Monsieur will be at the Redouten-Saal to-night ? '' I was in no humour for an adventure , and answered `` No . '' She repeated in a marked manner , `` Yes , monsieur will be at the ball ; monsieur will find himself under the gallery of the Emperor 's band at midnight . _ De grâce _ , monsieur will not refuse this _ rendezvous _ . '' `` I had not intended to go , '' was my unavoidable reply , `` but of course to please Madame it was my duty to make any sacrifice . I would be at the appointed place at the appointed time . ''