two hours after midnight
I went back to my room ; it had become suddenly dark and desolate . I tried to read ; but all subjects seemed alike tedious and unprofitable . I could fix my attention to nothing ; and so , becoming restless , I went out again , and wandered about the dusky streets till evening fairly set in , and the shops were lighted , and the tide of passers-by began to flow faster in the direction of boulevard and theatre . The soft light of her shaded lamp streamed from her window when I came back , nor faded thence till two hours after midnight . I watched it all the long evening , stealing out from time to time upon my balcony , which adjoined her own , and welcoming the cool night air upon my brow . For I was fevered and disquieted , I knew not why , and my heart was stirred within me , strangely and sweetly . Such was my first meeting with Hortense Dufresnoy .