seven o'clock
Not a sound . If Giovanni were wounded , disabled , he was maintaining a most heroic silence . She drew a magnificent gold watch , the exquisite case of which was thickly incrusted with diamonds , from her belt and glanced at the dial . It was after seven o'clock , and by eight all the scholars were required to be safely housed within the convent . Besides , she was not sure that she would not be missed , searched for and found . What should she do , what course should she take ? As she was debating within herself , uncertain whether to remain or return , there was a rustle amid the foliage of the chestnut tree immediately outside the garden enclosure , and a man 's form swung from one of the branches to the top of the wall .