seven o'clock
He was bareheaded and partially divested of his clothing , and the gold embroidery on his uniform was tarnished with dust and blood . He spoke no word , but had raised his head from the pillow where it lay and was looking about him with a sorrowful expression , and perceiving the three women where they stood , wide eyed with horror , their joined hands resting on their bosom , in presence of that great calamity , the whole army stricken in the person of its chief at the very beginning of the conflict , he slightly bowed his head , with a faint , paternal smile . A few of those about him removed their hats ; others , who had no time for such idle ceremony , were circulating the report of General Ducrot 's appointment to the command of the army . It was half-past seven o'clock . `` And what of the Emperor ? '' Henriette inquired of a bookseller , who was standing at his door . `` He left the city near an hour ago , '' replied the neighbor .