ten o'clock
It is because I do not believe there is , among the other persons to whom this guardianship is likely to be entrusted , any man with sense and heart enough to understand why the richest heiress in France might be permitted to marry a brave and honourable man without either rank or fortune . So , as I should have the same difficulty to contend with in another guardian , but not have the same effectual means of coercing him , perhaps , such a change might injure rather than aid my plans , besides ruining you irretrievably . Now reflect , and make your choice . I shall expect to see you at my house to-morrow morning , not later than ten o'clock . '' And the marquis departed , leaving M. de la Rochaiguë in a state of painful perplexity . Three days had elapsed since M. de Maillefort 's interviews with Madame de Senneterre and M. de la Rochaiguë , and Herminie , alone in her pretty room , seemed a prey to the keenest anxiety ; for every now and then she cast an impatient glance at the clock , or started at the slightest sound , or turned hastily towards the door . In fact , one could discern in the face of the duchess an anxiety fully equal to that which she had experienced some time before , while in momentary expectation of the much dreaded M. Bouffard 's coming .