midnight
Now that I needed sympathy myself , I did him justice . I desired to be with a true-hearted man , and mingle my tears with his . I looked at my watch . It was nearly an hour past midnight . In the corridor the lights were out , except one jet at the end . I threw a cloak upon my shoulders , put on a Spanish hat and left my apartment , listening to the echoes of my measured steps retreating through the deserted passages . A strange sight arrested me on the landing of the grand staircase .