midnight
Vale ! '' Marius took his leave , wishing his host good rest . He strolled through halls on which looked numberless rooms , furnished richly , warm and silent , waiting for the guests who never came . Not a servant was in sight ; the silence of midnight wrapped the place in slumber . Lamps , swinging from tall standards or from the ceilings , shed a mellow light around ; his feet pressed rich woven rugs which hid the mosaic pavements beneath . Around him was a golden perfumed stillness . He went more slowly , steeping his senses in the aroma of luxury .