eight in the evening
I often suffered my mule to lag behind , and indulged in the misery of reflection . At other times I spurred on the animal before my companions , that I might forget them , the world , and , more than all , myself . When at a distance , I alighted , and threw myself on the grass , weighed down by horror and despair . At eight in the evening I arrived at Chamounix . My father and Elizabeth were very much fatigued ; Ernest , who accompanied us , was delighted , and in high spirits : the only circumstance that detracted from his pleasure was the south wind , and the rain it seemed to promise for the next day . We retired early to our apartments , but not to sleep ; at least I did not . I remained many hours at the window , watching the pallid lightning that played above Mont Blânc , and listening to the rushing of the Arve , which ran below my window .