nine o’clock in
the evening
Of late , the abbe , shrewder than Monsieur d'Hauteserre , instead of discussing principles , drew pictures of the material advantages of the consular rule , less to convert the countess than to detect in her eyes some expression which might enlighten him as to her projects . Gothard 's frequent disappearances , the long rides of his mistress , and her evident preoccupation , which , for the last few days , had appeared in her face , together with other little signs not to be hidden in the silence and tranquillity of such a life , had roused the fears of these submissive royalists . Still , as no event happened , and perfect quiet appeared to reign in the political atmosphere , the minds of the little household were soothed into peace , and the countess 's long rides were one more attributed to her passion for hunting . It is easy to imagine the deep silence which reigned at nine o'clock in the evening in the park , courtyards , and gardens of Cinq-Cygne , where at that particular moment the persons we have described were harmoniously grouped , where perfect peace pervaded all things , where comfort and abundance were again enjoyed , and where the worthy and judicious old gentleman was still hoping to convert his late ward to his system of obedience to the ruling powers by the argument of what we may call the continuity of prosperous results . These royalists continued to play their boston , a game which spread ideas of independence under a frivolous form over the whole of France ; for it was first invented in honor of the American insurgents , its very terms applying to the struggle which Louis XVI . encouraged . While making their `` independences '' and `` poverties , '' the players kept an eye on the countess , who had fallen asleep , overcome by fatigue , with a singular smile on her lips , her last waking thought having been of the terror two words could inspire in the minds of the peaceful company by informing the d'Hauteserres that their sons had passed the preceding night under that roof .