midnight
Then the pair set out for the theatre . Schmucke could not leave his friend in the condition to which he had been brought by the Camusots -- mistresses and servants . He knew Pons so well ; he feared lest some cruel , sad thought should seize on him at his conductor 's desk , and undo all the good done by his welcome home to the nest . And Schmucke brought his friend back on his arm through the streets at midnight . A lover could not be more careful of his lady . He pointed out the edges of the curbstones , he was on the lookout whenever they stepped on or off the pavement , ready with a warning if there was a gutter to cross . Schmucke could have wished that the streets were paved with cotton-down ; he would have had a blue sky overhead , and Pons should hear the music which all the angels in heaven were making for him .