nine o’clock
Eugenie , who expected scrutiny , allowed none of the cruel emotions that wrung her soul to appear on the calm surface of her face . She was able to show a smiling front in answer to all who tried to testify their interest by mournful looks or melancholy speeches . She hid her misery behind a veil of courtesy . Towards nine o'clock the games ended and the players left the tables , paying their losses and discussing points of the game as they joined the rest of the company . At the moment when the whole party rose to take leave , an unexpected and striking event occurred , which resounded through the length and breadth of Saumur , from thence through the arrondissement , and even to the four surrounding prefectures . `` Stay , monsieur le president , '' said Eugenie to Monsieur de Bonfons as she saw him take his cane . There was not a person in that numerous assembly who was unmoved by these words .