midnight
That night the sun went down in angry crimson that ate like fire through the sullen heart of clouds banked low along the horizon . In Varia 's garden the shrill insect voices were hushed ; the trees drooped their leaves motionless . It was a hot and breathless night , when thunder muttered distantly and vague lightnings played hide-and-seek among the clouds , and the earth was still as an animal that crouches waiting for a blow . Eudemius entered his room shortly before midnight , while the storm menaced and would not break . His thoughts still had their way with him , and they were none too happy thoughts . By the open window stood a tall standard of wrought bronze , from the arms of which seven lamps swung by chains , their flames flaring in the faint hot breeze which entered ; otherwise the room was dark . Eudemius drew a light couch near the window and stretched himself upon it , slowly , like one worn out by weariness and pain .