midnight
Of course it set my silly pulses to beating faster , but I answered steadily and with an air of cold courtesy : `` I regret that I can not accept mademoiselle 's invitation ; I have promised my services elsewhere '' ; and with another low bow I turned on my heel and , holding my head high , went back to weave garlands with Mademoiselle Chouteau and Marguerite Papin . And because I was so big and they were so petite , they delighted in ordering me around -LRB- and I delighted in obeying -RRB- , and they made me mount to the highest beams to suspend garlands , and applauded me when I arranged them to suit their fancy , and laughed at me or scolded me when I was awkward and stupid , until my back ached and my heart grew light ; for I forgot for a time that mademoiselle , for whom I had risked my life , had not even cared to give me a friendly welcome back to St. Louis . The last garland was fastened in its place , the last stray bit of evergreen and rubbish swept from the doors , the church garnished and beautiful to behold . There was the noisy bustle of preparing for departure and the calling back and forth : `` Be sure you are at midnight mass , Gabriel . '' `` Au revoir at midnight mass , Pelagie . '' `` I will see you at midnight mass , monsieur . '' And for me there was a moment of embarrassment .