midnight
Now were we gladder than ever of Vigo 's escort ; for whenever we approached a band of roisterers or of gentlemen with lights , mademoiselle sheltered herself behind the equery 's broad back , hidden as behind a tower . Once the gallant M. de Champfleury , he who in pink silk had adorned Mme. de Mayenne 's salon , passed close enough to touch her . She heaved a sigh of relief when he was by . For her own sake she had no fear ; the midnight streets , the open road to St. Denis , had no power to daunt her : but the dread of being recognized and turned back rode her like a nightmare . Close by the gate , Vigo bade us pause in the door of a shop while he went forward to reconnoiter . Before long he returned . `` Bad luck , mademoiselle .