Two o'clock
The last window on the left was bisected by a brilliant band of lamplight coming from between the half-closed curtains . And he remained absorbed and expectant , with his gaze fixed on this shining streak . The moon had disappeared in an inky sky , whence an icy drizzle was falling . Two o'clock struck at the Trinite . The Rue de Provence and the Rue Taitbout lay in shadow , bestarred at intervals by bright splashes of light from the gas lamps , which in the distance were merged in yellow mist . Muffat did not move from where he was standing . That was the room .