seven o'clock before
He was at some distance from the hotel and it was growing dusk , for the days were already short . If Maria Consuelo really meant to leave Rome precipitately , she might go by the evening train to Paris and in that case the people of the hotel would have been informed of her intended departure . Orsino only admitted the possibility of her actually going away while believing in his heart that she would remain . He slowly retraced his steps , and it was seven o'clock before he asked the hotel porter by what train Madame d'Aranjuez was leaving . The porter did not know whether the lady was going north or south , but he called another man , who went in search of a third , who disappeared for some time . `` Is it sure that Madame d'Aranjuez goes to-night ? '' asked Orsino trying to look indifferent .