five o'clock
It was scarcely three quarters of an hour since the young American and the young officer had made acquaintance in the Cure 's garden , yet both felt already perfectly at ease with each other , full of confidence , almost like old friends . `` I told you , Monsieur l'Abbe , '' continued Bettina , `` that yesterday was my sister 's birthday . A week ago my brother-in-law was obliged to return to America , but at starting he said to my sister , ` I shall not be with you on your birthday , but you will hear from me . ' So , yesterday , presents and bouquets arrived from all quarters , but from my brother-in-law , up to five o'clock , nothing -- nothing . We were just starting for a ride in the Bois , and ` a propos ' of riding '' -- she stopped , and looking curiously at Jean 's great dusty boots -- '' Monsieur Jean , you have spurs on . '' `` Yes , Miss Percival . '' `` Then you are in the cavalry ? ''