midnight
It is a symbolic touch that no hope is visible . '' `` It is a very artistic production altogether , '' said the widow , dissembling her astonishment . `` So you are a painter , monsieur Flamant ? '' `` Again speaking by the clock , I am a painter , '' he concurred ; `` but at midnight I shall no longer be in a position to say so -- in the morning I am pledged to the life commercial . You will not marvel at my misery when I inform you that the existence of Achille Flamant , the artist , will terminate in five hours and twenty odd minutes ! '' `` Well , I am commercial myself , '' she said . `` I am madame Aurore , the Beauty Specialist , of the rue Baba .