three o'clock
He was confident the Emperor would communicate with him , and soon . The third day after the adventure at the White Castle , a stranger , mounted , armed , and showily caparisoned , appeared at the Prince 's door under guidance of Uel . In the study , to which he was hidden , he announced himself the bearer of a complimentary message from His Majesty , concluding with an invitation to the palace of Blacherne . If agreeable , His Majesty would be pleased to receive the Indian dignitary in the afternoon at three o'clock . An officer of the guard would be at the Grand Gate for his escort . The honor , needless to say , was accepted in becoming terms . When the Prince descended to the hall of entry on the ground floor to take the sedan there , the unusual care given his attire was apparent .