midnight
The darkness had swallowed her completely , and with the blaze still dazzling his eyes Paul could scarcely see even the hurrying forms that came racing up the path . In a few moments the tea-house was a ruin . Paul hurried to the hotel , where several startled guests had gathered in somewhat scanty attire , alarmed by the cry of fire ringing out into the still night . But the lady of the midnight kiss was not there . Too stirred within his heart to sleep , Paul paced the lawn , in the vain hope of seeing her again . He was walking lightly over the wet grass with almost silent feet , so occupied with his thoughts that he came near to walking into a couple talking beneath a tree . When , however , he beheld them , he came to a sudden standstill , all his senses alive , his quick intuition telling him he was in the presence of some matter of moment .