seven o'clock
My plan was to strike at the head , and surprising Madame de Verneuil while the event ; still hung uncertain , to wrest the secret from her by trick or threat . The enterprise was desperate , for I knew the stubbornness and arrogance of the woman , and the inveterate enmity which she entertained towards me , more particularly since the King 's marriage . But in a dangerous case any remedy is welcome . I reached Malesherbes , where Madame was residing with her parents , a little before seven o'clock , and riding without disguise to the chateau demanded to see her . She was not yet risen , and the servants , whom my appearance threw into the utmost confusion , objected this to me ; but I knew that the excuse was no real one , and answered roughly that I came from the King , and must see her . This opened all doors , and in a moment I found myself in her chamber . She was sitting up in bed , clothed in an elegant nightrail , and seemed in no wise surprised to see me .