midnight
His thoughts were , at length , exclusively occupied with the appearance of the female whom he so unexpectedly encountered on the first evening of his imprisonment , and whose features he had instantly identified with an image once most dear to him ; but which had , long since , been absorbed in the pursuits of interest , and the struggles of ambition . The time had indeed gone by , when associations , blended with that image , could deeply agitate him ; and , connected as they were , with his aversion to D'Aulney , they tended to excite emotions of anger rather than of tenderness . But , whatever was the nature of his feelings , they were shortly diverted to another channel by a low sound from without the door , which announced the cautious withdrawing of its bolts . The next instant it was opened by the guard who had before entered ; and La Tour , surprised at his appearing so unseasonably , -- for it was after midnight -- was about to question him , when he pointed significantly to the door , and again hastily retired . `` Antoine ! '' exclaimed La Tour , suddenly recognizing in him a soldier of his own , who , on some former occasion , had been taken prisoner by D'Aulney , and voluntarily remained in his service . The call was unanswered ; but presently the door again opened , and a figure entered , dressed in priestly guise , with a cowl drawn closely over his face .