midnight
It elevates manly attributes ; in fact , it constitutes the modesty of man . It is sometimes a force , and always a grace . But to think that honor is all-sufficient ; that in the face of great interests , great passions , great trials in life , it is a support and an infallible defence ; that it can enforce the precepts which come from God -- in fact that it can replace God -- this is a terrible mistake . It exposes one in a fatal moment to the loss of one 's self-esteem , and to fall suddenly and forever into that dismal ocean of bitterness where Camors at that instant was struggling in despair , like a drowning man in the darkness of midnight . He abandoned himself , on this evil night , to a final conflict full of agony ; and he was beaten . The next evening at six o'clock he was at the house of the Marquise . He found her in her boudoir , surrounded by all her regal luxury .