nine o'clock
The Marquis locked the note in his dressing-case , and handed his keys , with his usual simplicity , to Isidore . `` I do not propose to tire myself with this nonsense before the play , '' said he . `` Get my raw eggs and milk . '' * * * * * At nine o'clock that evening , a brilliant company were gathered in the Salle de Comédie . Most of the Foreign Ambassadors , and about fifty illustrious personages of great social importance , were present . Prince d'Alchingen had resolved that the daughter of Henriette Duboc should have every opportunity of making a successful _ début _ in England . He had sprinkled most judiciously among his guests a few accredited experts in various departments of knowledge , and these he hoped would lead appreciation into the right channel by explaining , at fit intervals , just why Mrs. Parflete was beautiful and just where her art had its especial distinction .