six o'clock
When the dance was over he did not move for some time ; for he doubted his power to hold himself upright and walk steadily . Presently , however , when Ludovico and Bianca had again quitted the ball-room together , he gathered himself up , and moved slowly away , shaking in every limb , pale , fever-lipped , and haggard . The man who gave him his cloak in the ante-room remarked to another servant , as soon as he was gone , that he would bet that the Marchese Lamberto would not be at the next Carnival ball . At six o'clock , with wonderful punctuality for an Italian , Ludovico , with a neat little bagarino and fast-trotting pony , was at the door of the Diva 's lodging . But Bianca was not ready . Her maid came down to the door with all sorts of apologies , and assurances that her mistress would be ready in a few minutes . The few minutes , however , became half an hour , as minutes will under such circumstances .