midnight
There was goodness in his countenance , and honour in his bright eyes . `` Your shortest way will be to follow the Boulevard and cross the park , '' he continued ; `` but it is too late and too dark for a woman to go through the park alone ; I will step with you thus far . '' He moved on , and I followed him , through the darkness and the small soaking rain . The Boulevard was all deserted , its path miry , the water dripping from its trees ; the park was black as midnight . In the double gloom of trees and fog , I could not see my guide ; I could only follow his tread . Not the least fear had I : I believe I would have followed that frank tread , through continual night , to the world 's end . `` Now , '' said he , when the park was traversed , `` you will go along this broad street till you come to steps ; two lamps will show you where they are : these steps you will descend : a narrower street lies below ; following that , at the bottom you will find your inn .