midnight
Evidently he felt much comforted after having performed his religious duties ; so , rolling a cigarette , and lighting it at the lantern , he went to sit on the doorstep outside and smoke . That cigarette finished , he made another , and then another . At last , after having puffed and mused for about an hour , he again went into the house and made a bundle of all the things he wanted to take away with him . Everything being ready , and feeling hungry , he went to the cupboard , cut himself a huge slice of bread and a piece of cheese , which he ate as slowly as if he were keeping watch on board ; then he took a long draught of wine , and , as midnight was striking , he left the house . `` I wonder , '' he thought , `` where Milena is ; anyhow , it is much better she is away , for , had she been in the house , she might have given me no end of useless trouble . Women are so fussy , so unpractical at times . '' Thereupon he lighted his pipe .