midnight
Two doctors , a priest , and several neighbors came into the room , bringing all that was necessary to save the poor couple and calm their despair . These strangers made some noise in entering ; but after they had entered , an awful silence filled the room . While that scene was taking place , Bartolomeo and his wife were sitting in their antique chairs , each at a corner of the vast fireplace , where a glowing fire scarcely warmed the great spaces of their salon . The clock told midnight . For some time past the old couple had lost the ability to sleep . At the present moment they sat there silent , like two persons in their dotage , gazing about them at things they did not see . Their deserted salon , so filled with memories to them , was feebly lighted by a single lamp which seemed expiring .