midnight
I wanted time to think out my way . I wanted strength to go back , take my name and fortune , ask nothing of the world -- but a chance to defy it . I got as far as that -- '' He dropped back into the chair and bowed his head . The hands of the clock were past midnight , the fire was nothing but glowing embers ; a chill was creeping through the room . Presently Gaston was aware of a nearness -- not merely bodily , but spiritually . He looked up . He had forgotten Joyce and his thought of comfort in knowing that she would stand by him .