“And on your Saint’s Day, too.” (March 19, 1814)

Pepe is short for José, or Joseph, so Pepe’s Saint’s Day is on March 19. In 1814 that was a Saturday, and March 21 was the New Moon, so the night would have been pretty dark. How do I know? The inimitable Stephen Bowden recommended this site: https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SKYCAL/SKYCAL.html

 

"The only sound was the rush of wind outside..."

Besides, March 19 is my father's birthday! Happy birthday, Dad, and many happy returns!