A few minutes after two o'clock
It was half-past one -- already the morning of my bridal . I had been absent three hours and a half . I went into my salon and remained there writing . A few minutes after two o'clock had struck the door opened noiselessly , and Vincenzo , looking still very sleepy , appeared with an expression of inquiring anxiety . He smiled drowsily , and seemed relieved to see me sitting quietly in my accustomed place at the writing-table . I surveyed him with an air of affected surprise . `` Ebbene , Vincenzo !