midnight
It seemed to her that she could not but obey that Higher Power which demanded of her the clearing up of this mystery -- as if there were no escape for her from the wondrous meshes in which she had become inwound without her will . Coming to a rapid decision , she said with solemnity , `` God will give me self-command and firm resolution . Bring Brusson here ; I will see him . '' As on the night when the jewel-casket had been brought , so now , at midnight , there came a knocking at the door . Baptiste , properly instructed , opened . Mademoiselle Scuderi 's blood ran cold when she heard the heavy tread of the guard party which had brought Brusson stationing themselves about the passages . At length the door opened , Desgrais came in , and after him , Olivier Brusson , without irons , and respectably dressed .