eight o’clock
The Austrians , who understood Vivian 's compliment literally , were not sorry to make a dignified retreat ; particularly as the mob , encouraged by Vivian 's interference , began to show fight . Vivian also took his departure as soon as he could possibly steal off unnoticed ; but not before he had been thanked by the conjuror . `` I knew there was gentle blood under that cloak . If you like to see the Mystery of the Crucifixion , with the Resurrection , and real fireworks , it begins at eight o'clock , and you shall be admitted gratis . I knew there was gentle blood under that cloak , and some day or other , when your Highness is in distress , you shall not want the aid of ESSPER GEORGE ! '' It was late in the evening when a britzska stopped at the post-house at Coblentz . The passage-boat from Bingen had just arrived ; and a portly judge from the Danube , a tall , gaunt Prussian officer , a sketching English artist , two University students , and some cloth-merchants , returning from Frankfort fair , were busily occupied at a long table in the centre of the room , at an ample banquet , in which sour-crout , cherry-soup , and savoury sausages were not wanting .