midnight
It really seemed as if the flame of the candle understood our appreciation and ministered specially to our admiration . Placed behind the fair songstress , it illuminated her so perfectly that the garment with the long folds resembled those thin vapors which veil the horizon without hiding it , and in a word , the most inquisitive imagination , disarmed by so much courtesy , was ready to exclaim , `` That is enough ! '' Soon the fair one moved forward toward her bed , sat down in a very low armchair , in which she stretched herself out at her ease , and remained for some moments , with her hands clasped over her head and her limbs extended . Just then midnight struck ; we saw her take her right leg slowly and cross it over her left , when we perceived that she had not yet removed her shoes and stockings . But what is the use of asking any more about it ? These recollections trouble me , and , although they have fixed themselves in my mind-very firmly indeed , I can assure you -- I feel an embarrassment mingled with modesty at relating all to you at length . Besides , at the moment she turned down the clothes , and prepared , to get into bed , the light went out .