midnight
This continued from 1814 to 1830 , except during the hundred days , not to speak of the missions , the bishop 's visits , and other extraordinary ceremonies . I like best to tell you all this at once , for if I should undertake to describe one procession after another the story would be too long . Well ! this commenced the 19th of May , and the same day that Harmentier announced the grand atonement , there arrived five preachers from Nancy , young men , who preached during the whole week , from morning until midnight . This was to prepare for the atonement ; nothing else was talked about in the town , the people were converted , and all the women and girls went to confession . It was rumored also that the national property was to be restored , and that the poor men would be separated from the respectable people by the procession , because the beggars would not dare to show themselves . You may imagine my chagrin at being obliged , in spite of myself , to remain among the poor people ; but , thank God !