Two o'clock in the morning
`` It is still and solemn as a church-yard here , '' remarked De Pean ; `` all the life of the place is down at Menut 's ! I like the small hours , '' added he as the chime of the Recollets ceased . `` They are easily counted , and pass quickly , asleep or awake . Two o'clock in the morning is the meridian of the day for a man who has wit to wait for it at Menut 's ! -- these small hours are all that are worth reckoning in a man 's life ! '' Without consenting to accompany De Pean , Le Gardeur suffered himself to be led by him . He knew the company that awaited him there -- the wildest and most dissolute gallants of the city and garrison were usually assembled there at this hour .