midnight
It seemed as if this night was to be her apotheosis , for everything seemed designed to show her off and to give her the first place . Monsieur Voltaire did not dance , but overwhelmingly grateful for the ruse by which Francezka had got him to the king 's table , could not be too assiduous to her or praise her wit too highly . From that hour she was queen at Chambord . It was after midnight that the ball began . I remained only an hour or two , and then went to my rest , but not in my chamber next Count Saxe 's for once . I had not had much sleep for several nights , so I betook myself to the stables , where , upon a pile of oats designed for the morning 's feed , I wrapped myself in my cloak and fell into a deep slumber . I awakened , as always , at five o'clock , and on inquiring of the grooms and stablemen , found that the music at the castle had just ceased .