about
midnight
I have always believed that he was really fond of Hermione ; for I can not imagine him so vile as to attempt to take her from Paul , when Paul had done so much towards liberating him from his prison . But whatever were his motives or his feelings , it was evident to me that he was making love to her in good earnest , that the girl was more interested in him than she supposed , and that Madame Patoff was cunningly scheming to break off the match with Paul in order to marry Hermione to Alexander . Balsamides had of course become a friend of the family , after the part he had played in effecting Alexander 's escape , and in his own way I think he watched the situation when he got a chance with as much interest as I myself . One evening we were sitting in his rooms , about midnight , talking , as we talked eternally , upon all manner of subjects . `` Griggs , '' said he , suddenly changing the topic of our conversation , `` it is a great pity we ever took the trouble to find Alexander . I often wish he were still lying in that pleasant den in Laleli 's garden . '' `` It would be better for every one concerned , except himself , if he were , '' I answered .