midnight
I said a few words in grateful recognition , but I soon relapsed into my silence and obscurity , for fear of prolonging the conversation by keeping it up . I considered them merely as the frame of a picture ; the only real interest I felt was in the face , the speech , and the mind of her from whom I was shut out by their presence . What inward joy , what throbbing of the heart , when they retired , and when I heard beneath the gateway the rolling of the carriage which bore away the last of them ! We were then alone ; the night was far advanced ; our security increased at every move of the minute hand as it approached the figure that marked midnight on the dial . Nothing was to be heard but the sound of a few carriages , which , at rare intervals , rattled over the stones of the quay , or the deep breathing of the old concierge , who was stretched sleeping on a bench in the vestibule at the foot of the stairs . We would first look at each other , as if surprised at our happiness . I would draw nearer to the table where Julie worked by the light of the lamp .