seven o'clock
`` They are in love , '' thought Shears . `` But what on earth can Clotilde Destange and Maxime Bermond have in common ? Does she know that Maxime is Arsène Lupin ? '' He listened anxiously until seven o'clock , making the most of every word spoken . Then , with infinite precautions , he came down and crossed the side of the room where there was no danger of his being seen from the drawing-room . * * * * * Once outside , after assuring himself that there was no motor-car or cab waiting , he limped away along the Boulevard Malesherbes . Then he turned down a side street , put on the overcoat which he carried over his arm , changed the shape of his hat , drew himself up and , thus transformed , returned to the square , where he waited , with his eyes fixed on the door of the Hôtel Destange .