about eleven o'clock in the morning
Then , as now , life beat rapidly in Paris , one important thing followed the other , and it came about that the affair of the handsome `` Prince Cavalcanti '' was in danger of being tried before an audience consisting only of lawyers and policemen . The weather was miserable . The snow fell in thick flakes , and the cold was so penetrating that it became impossible to remain long out of doors . It was about eleven o'clock in the morning when an elegant carriage stopped in front of the court-house . A gentleman stepped out , and was about to ascend the broad steps of the building , when he suddenly stood still . He clapped his monocle to his eye , and loudly exclaimed : `` Ah , Chateau-Renaud ! '' `` Beauchamp , '' came back the answer ; and the two friends cordially shook hands .