about three o’clock
exclaimed the Abbe . `` You must forgive , my daughter , and wait in patience and prayer till God enlightens your husband ; unless , indeed , you choose to adopt against him the means offered you by human laws . '' The long conversation that ensued between the priest and his penitent resulted in an extraordinary change in the Countess ; she abruptly dismissed him , called her servants who were alarmed at her flushed face and crazy energy . She ordered her carriage -- countermanded it -- changed her mind twenty times in the hour ; but at last , at about three o'clock , as if she had come to some great determination , she went out , leaving the whole household in amazement at such a sudden transformation . `` Is the Count coming home to dinner ? '' she asked of his servant , to whom she would never speak . `` No , madame . ''