ten o'clock
There was on her part a constantly growing effort to leave aside all commonplace topics , and impart to our interviews a character of greater intimacy ; there was on mine an equal amount of obstinacy in confining them within the strictest limits of social jargon , and remaining resolutely on the ground of worldly futility . I now come to the scene that was to bring this painful struggle to a close , and unfortunately prove all its vanity to me . Monsieur and Madame de Malouet were giving last night a grand farewell ball to their daughter , whose husband has been recalled to his post of duty , and the whole neighborhood within a circuit of ten leagues had been summoned to the feast . Toward ten o'clock an immense crowd was overflowing the vast ground floor of the chateau , in which the elegant dresses , the lights , and the flowers were mingled in dazzling confusion . As I was trying to make my way into the main drawing-room , I found myself face to face with Madame de Malouet , who drew me slightly aside . `` Well ! my dear sir , '' she said , `` I do not like the looks of things . ''