half after nine
The shadow of the towering bergs lay upon it , and the few stars that peered down through the narrow crevice of rambling gables were small , as if the brilliant planets had neither time nor inclination to watch over such a place . And yet there lived in the Krumerweg many a kind and loyal heart , stricken with poverty . In old times the street had had an evil name , now it possessed only a pitiful one . It was half after nine when Gretchen and the vintner picked their way over cobbles pitted here and there with mud-holes . They were arm in arm , and they laughed when they stumbled , laughed lightly , as youth always laughs when in love . `` Only a little farther , '' said Gretchen , for the vintner had never before passed over this way . `` Long as it is and crooked , Heaven knows it is short enough ! ''