nearly midnight
Thereupon the coterie of miscreants separated , to pass away the hours as best they might , until the time for the brilliant stroke they meditated arrived . The Count of Monte-Cristo was in his study , pacing to and fro ; he was plunged in thought , and an expression indicative of deep concern was upon his pale , but resolute countenance . Ever and anon he would pause in front of a small table on which was a telegraphic outfit for the sending and receiving of messages , listening with close attention to the sounds given forth , for , although sound reading was not much practiced by the telegraphers of that period , Monte-Cristo , who seemed to have all the accomplishments of his own age and those of ages to come , was a proficient at it , as well as a remarkably rapid and correct operator . It was nearly midnight . The entire family in the mansion of the Rue du Helder had retired to rest , with the exception of its head , who had remained up in response to a summons from Berlin to be ready to receive the details of a secret meeting of a vast society of Prussian patriots , which would be sent to him in cipher by one of his most enthusiastic and active agents for the promotion of the cause of universal human liberty . The intense heat that had prevailed all day had been but slightly moderated by the advent of a close , sultry night ; there was not the faintest breeze in the heavy , oppressive air , and the blue sky , full of stars and flooded with brilliant moonlight , was without a cloud . The silvery brightness poured in through the open windows of the study , so illuminating the apartment that the Count had extinguished his lamp .