nearly midnight
He might wish to return to that house . For two hours he walked , and resumed his interrupted train of thought -- past the gloomy University buildings , past the quay , where sailed the vessels that during peaceful times went along the Ar through the low lands of Karnia to the sea . At last , having almost circled the city , he came to the Cathedral . It was nearly midnight by the clock in the high tower . He stopped and consulted his watch . The fancy took him to go up the high steps , and look out over the city from the colonnade . Once there , he stood leaning against a column , looking out .