midnight
Jules had already killed a man for doubting his wife . Clemence did not know all there was of true passion , of loyal reflection , in her husband 's silence ; just as Jules was ignorant of the generous drama that was wringing the heart of his Clemence . The carriage rolled on through a silent Paris , bearing the couple , -- two lovers who adored each other , and who , gently leaning on the same silken cushion , were being parted by an abyss . In these elegant coupes returning from a ball between midnight and two in the morning , how many curious and singular scenes must pass , -- meaning those coupes with lanterns , which light both the street and the carriage , those with their windows unshaded ; in short , legitimate coupes , in which couples can quarrel without caring for the eyes of pedestrians , because the civil code gives a right to provoke , or beat , or kiss , a wife in a carriage or elsewhere , anywhere , everywhere ! How many secrets must be revealed in this way to nocturnal pedestrians , -- to those young fellows who have gone to a ball in a carriage , but are obliged , for whatever cause it may be , to return on foot . It was the first time that Jules and Clemence had been together thus , -- each in a corner ; usually the husband pressed close to his wife . `` It is very cold , '' remarked Madame Jules .