seven in the evening
`` I was mistaken , '' he said . `` A bad conscience is a very queer thing . Because I am about to do something secret , I am thinking that eavesdroppers are watching me and trying to forestall me . '' It was seven in the evening ; the sun had set . Field-Marshal Blucher , who was very sick all day , now intended to take an airing . The pipe - master had , therefore , ordered the coachman ; and the field-marshal 's carriage , drawn by four black horses , had just come to the door . Blucher was still in his room , but all his preparations were completed .