Ten o'clock
But before knocking , he looked once more behind him , and saw the bright light shining through the windows of the hotel . `` There , '' said he , `` enter for love and joy , people who are invited almost without desiring ; why have I not a tranquil and careless heart ? Perhaps I might enter there also , instead of vainly trying here . '' Ten o'clock struck . Henri lifted the knocker and struck once , then again . `` There , '' said he , listening , `` there is the inner door opening , the stairs creaking , the sound of steps approaching , always the same thing . '' And he knocked again .