about seven o'clock
If you have need of my life , write or send for me . '' I sealed the letter , and dispatched it by the hand of a corridor lacquey , with orders to hand it to the addressee in person . Though I expected no answer , scarcely three minutes had elapsed before the lacquey returned with `` the compliments of a certain person . '' Next , about seven o'clock , I was sent for by the General . I found him in his study , apparently preparing to go out again , for his hat and stick were lying on the sofa . When I entered he was standing in the middle of the room -- his feet wide apart , and his head bent down . Also , he appeared to be talking to himself .