nine o'clock
They were received by the countess , and formed into one large committee . Old Conrad was at the arsenal assisting in loading the arms , now ordering , now rebuking the unskilful with a round oath , and everywhere , on whatever side you turned , was the merchant Sonntag , paler than usual from excitement , hot with talking so much , ordering , encouraging , animating those around to unceasing and fruitful exertions . Thus evening fell upon the city , and the sun set for the last time upon the Guelphic king in the castle of his forefathers . It was nine o'clock when the minister Meding drove rapidly along the broad road , lighted on either side by gas lamps , to Herrenhausen , with the answer to the Prussian ultimatum . As he mounted the steps , it seemed as if the uneasiness and activity which prevailed in the city had not spread to the palace . The porter stood as usual before his lodge , the servants in their scarlet liveries moved noiselessly through the large vestibules , but on every face appeared deep anxiety . In the courtyard were several waggons , with lighted lamps , and the under servants were filling them with coffers .