The moon, which rose later and later, had not yet appeared above the horizon, and the night was very dark.

Without undressing, she seated herself before the open window, looked out into the deep shade, and waited patiently for the hours to pass.

The minutes went by rapidly, as she was fully occupied with the one idea that as soon as the clock struck for midnight she would go down to find Felicien.

As it would be the most natural thing in the world to do, she traced out her way, step by step, and every movement she would make with the most perfect composure.
It was not very late when she heard the Abbe Cornille take his leave.
Soon after, the Huberts, in their turn, came upstairs.

Then it seemed to her as if someone came out of their chamber, and with furtive steps moved cautiously as far as the foot of the stairway, then stopped, as if listening for a moment before returning.