about eight o'clock
Jacques knew what she was about , and would not even look at her : he went on talking with Jean and Peter and the others , about the wars , and republicans and royalists , as though poor Annot Stein had not been there at all . From the chapel of St. Laud to the village of Echanbroignes , he did not speak a word to her , and when the four entered the old smith 's house , poor Annot was bursting with anger , and melting with love ; she could not settle with herself whether he hated Chapeau or loved him most ; she felt that she would have liked to poison him , only she knew that she could not live without him . She hurried into her little sleeping place , and had a long debate with herself whether she should instantly go to bed and pray that Jacques might be killed at Saumur , or whether she should array herself in all her charms , and literally dazzle her lover into fondness and obedience by her beauty and graces -- after many tears the latter alternative was decided on . It was a lovely summer evening , and at about eight o'clock hardly a person in the whole village was to be found within doors ; the elderly were sitting smoking at their doors , husbands were saying a thousand last words to their weeping wives , young men were sharpening their swords , and preparing their little kit for the morrow 's march , and the girls were helping them ; but everything was done in the open air . Jean and Peter Stein were secretly preparing for a stolen march to Saumur ; for their father was still inexorable , and they were determined not to be left behind when all the world was fighting for glory . Old Michael was smoking at his ease , and Jacques was standing talking to him , wondering in his heart whether Annot could be really angry with him , when that young lady reappeared in the kitchen . `` Where have you been , Annot ? ''