midnight
Hubert hastened to go downstairs , that she might not see his tears . It was impossible for Angelique to sleep that night . A nervous wakefulness kept her burning eyelids from closing , and her extreme weakness seemed greater than ever . The Huberts had gone to their room , and at last , when it was near midnight , so great a fear came over her that she would die if she were to remain longer in bed , she preferred to get up , notwithstanding the immense effort required to do so . She was almost stifled . Putting on a dressing-gown and warm slippers , she crept along slowly as far as the window , which she opened wide . The winter was somewhat rainy , but of a mild dampness ; so the air was pleasant to breathe .