four
o'clock
By this time I was well aware of Mazarin 's crotchets , and took care to present myself at the proper time . His secretary opened the door , and admitted me into his master 's room . Whether Mazarin ever went to bed at this period of his life I can not say , but he always gave me the impression that he could live without sleep . There he was at four o'clock , in dressing gown and slippers , writing with no sign of weariness whatever . `` Is your horse saddled , M. de Lalande ? '' he asked , without stopping or taking his eyes from the paper . `` Yes , your Eminence . ''