midnight
She detained him at the threshold of the ante-chamber to make some trifling explanation , while Musadieu , assisted by a footman , put on his topcoat . As Madame de Guilleroy continued to talk to Bertin , the Inspector of Fine Arts , having waited some seconds before the front door , held open by another servant , decided to depart himself rather than stand there facing the footman any longer . The door was closed softly behind him , and the Countess said to the artist in a perfectly easy tone : `` Why do you go so soon ? It is not yet midnight . Stay a little longer . '' They reentered the smaller drawing-room together and seated themselves . `` My God !