midnight
The women were sad but speaking cheerily in order to hide their emotions . In the long summer twilight , the boulevards were filling with crowds . Those from the outlying districts were converging toward the centre of the city , as in the remote revolutionary days , banding together in groups , forming an endless multitude from which came shouts and songs . These manifestations were passing through the centre under the electric lights that were just being turned on , the processions generally lasting until midnight , with the national banner floating above the walking crowds , escorted by the flags of other nations . It was on one of these nights of sincere enthusiasm that the two friends heard an unexpected , astonishing piece of news . `` They have killed Jaures ! '' The groups were repeating it from one to another with an amazement which seemed to overpower their grief .