eight o'clock
in the evening
Is it possible ? Can such condescensions exist ? Yes : solicitations from ladies , eloquent notes wet with ducal tears , these had won from the thrice-radiant secretary , redolent of roseate attar , a countersign to some order or other , by which I -- yes I -- under license of a fop , and supervision of a jailer -- was to see and for a time to converse with my own wife . The hour appointed for the first day 's interview was eight o'clock in the evening . On the outside of the jail all was summer light and animation . The sports of children in the streets of mighty cities are but sad , and too painfully recall the circumstances of freedom and breezy nature that are not there . But still the pomp of glorious summer , and the presence , ` not to be put by , ' of the everlasting light , that is either always present , or always dawning -- these potent elements impregnate the very city life , and the dim reflex of nature which is found at the bottom of well-like streets , with more solemn powers to move and to soothe in summer .