midnight
And yet , straight through its clamor , pierced the sound of a stifled cry . Constans turned instantly , but Quinton Edge , trembling , kept his eyes fixed on the floor . Sitting upright upon the couch , Issa looked at the two men steadfastly , and then only at the one . The violet depths in her eyes had darkened to pools of midnight , and her lips were like a thread of scarlet against the ivory of her face . A miracle ! but Constans would not look again , knowing that for him this hour had passed forever . Constans went to the inner door and opened it .