midnight
When , a little afterwards , we went out of the house , it was dark and deserted in the street . Wet snow was falling and a damp wind lashed in one 's face . I remember it was the beginning of March ; a thaw had set in , and for some days past the cabmen had been driving on wheels . Under the impression of the back stairs , of the cold , of the midnight darkness , and the porter in his sheepskin who had questioned us before letting us out of the gate , Zinaida Fyodorovna was utterly cast down and dispirited . When we got into the cab and the hood was put up , trembling all over , she began hurriedly saying how grateful she was to me . `` I do not doubt your good-will , but I am ashamed that you should be troubled , '' she muttered . `` Oh , I understand , I understand ... .