the hour of two
La Valliere most eagerly read the letter , which fixed two o'clock that same afternoon for the rendezvous , and which indicated the way of raising the trap-door which was constructed out of the flooring . `` Make yourself look as beautiful as possible , '' added the postscript of the letter , words which astonished the young girl , but at the same time reassured her . The hours passed away very slowly , but the time fixed , however , arrived at last . As punctual as the priestess Hero , Louise lifted up the trap-door at the last stroke of the hour of two , and found the king upon the top steps , waiting for her with the greatest respect , in order to give her his hand to descend . The delicacy and deference shown in this attention affected her very powerfully . At the foot of the staircase the two lovers found the comte , who , with a smile and a low reverence distinguished by the best taste , expressed his thanks to La Valliere for the honor she conferred upon him . Then , turning toward the king , he said : `` Sire , our man is here . ''