midnight
Cards conveying delicate compliments written in delicate chirography poured in upon him , but in vain he looked for some sign , some word from her . Quickly he left the theater and sought his hotel . A menacing cloud obscured the wintry moon . A clock sounded the midnight hour . He threw himself upon the bed and almost sobbed his thoughts , and their burden was : `` I am not great enough for her . I am but a man . I am but a man ! ''