midnight
He told us that he did not believe in it , and that the Church had uttered no such curse against those who for seven years did not confess ; although if they died in that sinful state there was no hope of salvation for them . As for the devil , you remember the priest said that he had not the power to change a man into a wolf or an animal of any kind , and -- '' `` Speak not like that , Baptiste , '' broke in his wife with fear in her eyes ; `` the evil one may hear what you say , and out of mockery to the Church , cause the evil to fall upon him . '' With piteous haste she made the sign of the cross on her bosom , and instinctively her husband did the same . Although it was near midnight they had not lit the lamp , for the moon that poured in at the window made the cottage almost as light as noonday . `` Husband , '' she went on in a tone of conviction , `` why should we try to deceive ourselves ? for we know that it is true . Father Benoit is sorry for us and would give us comfort .