Three o’clock
She had not suspected his coming ; she had not dreamed that the commanding officer could stop in his victorious course and give way to the lover . She thought him far away ; and , ever faithful to Bonaparte 's direction to assist him in the conquest of Italy , she had accepted an invitation from the city of Genoa , which had lately and gladly entered into alliance with France . The most brilliant festivities welcomed her in this city of wealth and palaces , and `` Genova la superba '' gathered all its magnificence , all the splendor of its glory , to offer , under the eyes of all Europe , her solemn homage to the wife of the celebrated hero of Arcola . While Josephine , with joyous pride was receiving this homage , Bonaparte , gloomy and murmuring , sat in his cabinet at Milan , and wrote to her : `` MILAN , the 7th Frimaire , Year V. , '' Three o'clock . afternoon -LRB- November 27 , 1796 -RRB- . `` I have just arrived in Milan , and rush to your apartments . I have left every thing to see you , to press you in my arms ; ... .