three
o'clock in the morning
I found Paul , with his head reclined on the rock , and his eyes fixed upon the ground . I had followed him since break of day , and after much importunity , I prevailed with him to descend from the heights , and return to his family . I conducted him to the plantation , where the first impulse of his mind , upon seeing Madame de la Tour , was to reproach her bitterly for having deceived him . Madame de la Tour told us , that a favourable wind having arose at three o'clock in the morning , and the vessel being ready to set sail , the governor , attended by his general officers , and the missionary , had come with a palanquin in search of Virginia , and that , notwithstanding her own objections , her tears , and those of Margaret , all the while exclaiming that it was for the general welfare they had carried away Virginia almost dying . ` At least , ' cried Paul , ` if I had bid her farewell , I should now be more calm . I would have said to her , Virginia , if , during the time we have lived together , one word may have escaped me which has offended you , before you leave me for ever , tell me that you forgive me . I would have said to her , since I am destined to see you no more , farewell , my dear Virginia , farewell !