Seven o'clock
And following her employer , who had returned to his guests in the arbour , the housekeeper said to the footman , who was still standing a few feet from the gate : `` Young man , as soon as I can get my bonnet and shawl on I shall be at your service . '' And a few minutes afterwards Madame Barbançon , triumphantly passing the gate in her carriage , felt that the deference due her employer made it incumbent upon her to rise to her feet in the vehicle , and bow low to the commander and his guests . Just then the clock in a neighbouring church struck seven . `` Seven o'clock ! '' exclaimed Olivier , evidently much annoyed . `` I am very sorry , my dear Gerald , but I shall have to leave you . '' `` Already !