nearly midnight
After an affectionate hug , they went towards the door , when Gillot paused a moment : `` We must look after you a little , you know , '' said he , `` we feel as if you were a sort of father to us . '' `` So I am , '' said Clerambault with his beaming smile ; his own boy was in his mind . He closed the door , and stood for some minutes with the lamp in his hand in the vestibule before he realised where he was . It was nearly midnight and he was very tired , but , instead of going into the bedroom , he mechanically turned again towards his study ; -- the apartment , the house , the street were all asleep . Almost without seeing it , he stared vaguely at the light shining on the frame of an engraving of Rembrandt 's , The Resurrection of Lazarus , which hung on the opposite wall ... . A dear figure seemed to enter the room ; ... it came in silently , and stood beside him . `` Are you satisfied now ? ''