five o'clock
`` Our treasury , M'sieur , '' croaked he , more ravenly than ever , `` is rich -- rich in episcopal jewels ; in relics -- inestimable relics . Tickets two francs each . '' Grateful , however , for the timely caution , I acknowledged my countryman 's courtesy by a bow , declined the proffered investment , and went out again into the sunny streets . At five o'clock I found myself installed near the head of an immensely long dinner-table in the _ salle à manger _ of the Cheval Blanc . The _ salle à manger _ was a magnificent temple radiant with mirrors , and lustres , and panels painted in fresco . The dinner was an imposing rite , served with solemn ceremonies by ministering waiters . There were about thirty guests seated round , in august silence , most of them very smartly dressed , and nearly all English .