about four o’clock
After another pass or two of words he left me , and I hastened to make a better toilet than I had done for a year . My old rusty suit which I exchanged for the one I had worn seemed almost sumptuous , and the woollen wear comforted my weakened body . Within an hour my cell looked snug , and I sat cosily by the fire , feeding it lazily . It must have been about four o'clock when there was a turning of keys and a shooting of bolts , the door opened , and who should step inside but Gabord , followed by Alixe ! I saw Alixe 's lips frame my name thrice , though no word came forth , and my heart was bursting to cry out and clasp her to my breast . But still with a sweet , serious look cast on me , she put out her hand and stayed me . Gabord , looking not at us at all , went straight to the window , and , standing on a stool , busied himself with the stanchions and to whistle .