eight o’clock in the evening
We all dined together , King and Queen , Monsieur , Madame , and all , and the first day there was nothing but a great pot au feu and the bouilli out of it ; for the cooks had not arrived . Even the spoons and knives were so few that we had to wash them and use them in turn . However , it was all gaiety on those first days , the Queen was so merry that it was every one 's cue to be the same ; and as to the King and the Duke of Anjou , they were full of mischief ; it was nothing but holiday to them to have no Court receptions . At eight o'clock in the evening there came a deputation from Paris . They were kept waiting outside in the snow while the Queen considered whether to receive them ; and she could hardly be persuaded to allow them to sleep under shelter at St. Germain , though on the road at that time of night they were in danger from brigands , traveling soldiers , and I know not what ! They were at last admitted to the ranger 's lodgings , and had an interview with the Chancellor , who was harsh and peremptory , perhaps feeling himself avenged for his troubles and fright on the day of the barricades . When I heard that the President Darpent was among the deputation I sent Nicolas to find out whether his son were there ; and by and by I received a little billet , which excited much more attention than I wished .