midnight
You must know that for six months past I had wished to make Catharine a magnificent present for her birthday , which fell on the 18th of December . Among the watches which hung in Monsieur Goulden 's window was one little one , of the prettiest kind , with a silver case full of little circles , which made it shine like a star . Around the face , under the glass , was a thread of copper , and on the face were painted two lovers , the youth evidently declaring his love , and giving to his sweetheart a large bouquet of roses , while she modestly lowered her eyes and held out her hand . The first time I saw the watch , I said to myself : `` You will not let that escape ; that watch is for Catharine , and , although you must work every day till midnight for it , she must have it . '' Monsieur Goulden , after seven in the evening , allowed me work on my own account . He had old watches to clean and regulate ; and as this work was often very troublesome , old Father Melchior paid me reasonably for it . But the little watch was thirty-five francs , and one can imagine how many hours at night I would have to work for it .