six o’clock
The heath lay shrouded in a blue-gray mist , and sparkling ice-crystals were flying through the clear winter air . When he passed Helenenthal he saw two sledges moving towards the manor-house laden with fir branches . `` It seems to me they are going to have a festivity there , '' he murmured , looking after the sledges ; and with a sombre smile he added , `` I need not be jealous , for to-day I , too , hold a festival . '' At six o'clock he arrived in the town , procured himself an entrance-ticket , and remained crouched in a corner of the inn till nine o'clock , absorbed in his own dark thoughts . When he entered the dancing-room , which was all stir and confusion , he hid himself in the shadow of a pillar , for he felt as though the murderous thoughts that filled his soul were written on his forehead , clearly visible to everybody . All of a sudden a painful thrill ran through his frame . He had found the brothers ; they stood in the middle of the room , proud and radiant , with silken badges on their shoulders , and lilies-of-the-valley in their button-holes , looking at the row of girls dressed in white , who ornamented the walls , with a triumphant smile .