midnight
said Barlasch , with a gesture of despair . `` Can you give me news of Charles ? '' Desiree read , in a writing that was unknown to her . `` I shall wait a reply until midnight on board the Elsa , lying off the Krahn-Thor . '' The letter bore the signature , `` Louis d'Arragon . '' Desiree turned slowly and went upstairs , carrying it folded small in her closed hand . She was alone in the house , for Mathilde was out and her father had not yet returned from his evening walk .