ten o'clock
Toward nine o'clock in the evening of this same day , the enormous gateway was opened to a glittering carriage , which , after having described a scientific curve in the immense court stopped before a covered porch , which led to an antechamber . While the stampings of the two vigorous and mettlesome horses resounded on the pavement , a gigantic footman opened the emblazoned door , and a young man descended slowly from this brilliant vehicle , and not less slowly mounted the five or six steps of the porch . This was the Viscount de Saint Remy . On leaving his creditor , who , satisfied with the engagement made by the Count de Saint Remy , had granted the delay asked , and agreed to come to Rue Chaillot at ten o'clock , Florestan was come to thank Madame de Lucenay for the new service she had rendered ; but , not having met the duchess in the morning , he came in great spirits , certain to find her at the hour she habitually reserved for him . From the obsequiousness of the two footmen in the antechamber who ran to open the door as soon as they recognized the carriage ; from the profoundly respectful air with which the rest of the liveried servants spontaneously arose as the viscount passed , one could easily see that he was looked upon as the second , if not the real master of the mansion . When the Duke de Lucenay entered his house , his umbrella in his hand , and his feet in huge overshoes -LRB- he detested riding in the daytime -RRB- , the same domestic evolutions were repeated , and always respectfully ; yet to the eyes of an observer , there was a great difference of expression between the reception given to the husband , and that which was reserved for the _ cicisbeo _ . The same respectful eagerness was manifested in the saloon of the valets when Florestan entered there ; in a moment , one of them preceded him , to announce him to Madame de Lucenay .