nine o'clock
`` How ? '' cried the scribe of the grand council of Ulm , and clasped his hands in astonishment , -- `` How ? I hope you do not intend to be married in that jacket . It is nine o'clock already ; the passages and stairs of the castle swarm with wedding guests , shining in silks and satins , and you , the principal performer in the piece , are looking unconcerned out of the window , instead of preparing yourself for the happy event ? '' `` There lies the whole concern , '' replied Albert , smiling , and pointing to his dress on the bed , `` cap and feathers , mantle and jacket , all of the best quality and make ; but God knows , I have not yet thought of hanging the tawdriness on my back . This jacket which I have on is dearer to me than all the rest ; I have worn it in worse times , but still in very happy days . '' `` Yes , yes !