ten o'clock,
afternoon
Dubois . But , remembering their own early trials , they made no opposition to Adèle 's choice . They sought only her happiness . On a dark , stormy day , in the winter of 1845 , at ten o'clock , afternoon , a tall , stout , elderly man , muffled in fur , rang at the door of Mr. Lansdowne . The house was large , of brown stone , and situated on H -- Street , in the city of P -- . As the servant opened the door , the hall light fell upon a face of strongly marked features , irradiated by an expression of almost youthful cheerfulness . To the inquiry , if Mr. and Mrs. Lansdowne were at home , the servant replied , that they were absent , but would return shortly .