noon
I suppose people who go every night to places of public amusement , can hardly enter into the fresh gala feeling with which an opera or a concert is enjoyed by those for whom it is a rarity : I am not sure that I expected great pleasure from the concert , having but a very vague notion of its nature , but I liked the drive there well . The snug comfort of the close carriage on a cold though fine night , the pleasure of setting out with companions so cheerful and friendly , the sight of the stars glinting fitfully through the trees as we rolled along the avenue ; then the freer burst of the night-sky when we issued forth to the open chaussée , the passage through the city gates , the lights there burning , the guards there posted , the pretence of inspection , to which we there submitted , and which amused us so much -- all these small matters had for me , in their novelty , a peculiarly exhilarating charm . How much of it lay in the atmosphere of friendship diffused about me , I know not : Dr. John and his mother were both in their finest mood , contending animatedly with each other the whole way , and as frankly kind to me as if I had been of their kin . Our way lay through some of the best streets of Villette , streets brightly lit , and far more lively now than at high noon . How brilliant seemed the shops ! How glad , gay , and abundant flowed the tide of life along the broad pavement ! While I looked , the thought of the Rue Fossette came across me -- of the walled-in garden and school-house , and of the dark , vast `` classes , '' where , as at this very hour , it was my wont to wander all solitary , gazing at the stars through the high , blindless windows , and listening to the distant voice of the reader in the refectory , monotonously exercised upon the `` lecture pieuse . ''