midnight
After the banquet the company proceeded to the gardens , where bands of music were stationed , and while some indulged in the exhilarating dance , others sauntered through the brilliantly lighted avenues . I need not inform you that no husband , unless he were anxious to draw down upon himself the ridicule which attaches itself to extreme uxoriousness , would remain linked to his wife 's side all the evening at such an entertainment as the one of which I am speaking . I was therefore separated from the countess , whom I left in an arbor with some other ladies , and I joined the group which had assembled around the prince . I know not exactly how it was I happened to quit my companions , after a lively conversation which had probably lasted about an hour ; certain , however , it is that before midnight I was proceeding alone down a long avenue in which utter darkness reigned , but outside of which the illuminations shone brilliantly . `` Suddenly I heard voices near me ; and one of them appeared to be that of the Countess of Riverola -- but they were speaking in so subdued a tone that I was by no means confident in my suspicion . The voices approached ; and a sentiment of curiosity , unaccountable at the time , as I believed Vitangela to be purity itself , impelled me to listen more attentively . To conceal myself was not necessary ; I had to remain perfectly still for my presence to be unknown , utter darkness prevailing in the avenue .