nine o'clock
The orphan rose and advanced to meet Madame de la Rochaiguë who , bustling in , bright and sparkling and smiling , said to the girl in the tenderest manner , seizing both her hands : `` My dearest child , I have come -- if you will permit me -- to keep you company until the dinner hour , for I am really jealous of my dear sister-in-law 's good fortune . '' `` How very kind you all are to me , madame ! '' replied Ernestine , grateful for the kind attentions of the baroness . Helena rose to go , and , with the intention of anticipating any possible question Madame de la Rochaiguë 's curiosity might prompt , said to the young girl : `` To-morrow morning at nine o'clock , that is understood , is it not ? '' Then , after an affectionate nod of the head to the baroness , Helena departed , escorted to the door by Mlle. de Beaumesnil . As she was returning to Madame de la Rochaiguë , that lady drew back a few steps in proportion as Ernestine approached , and said to her , in tones of tender reproach : `` Ah , my dear , sweet child , you are incorrigible ! '' `` And why , madame , do you say that ? ''