two o'clock in the
morning
But the Marquis of Orsini , although greatly shocked at the terrible sacrifice of human life which had occurred , exerted himself to console and reassure the two terrified ladies . Stephano Verrina was not the man to allow his energies to be paralyzed by the reverse he had just sustained . He immediately commanded a general muster of his men to be held in the banqueting-hall , that he might accurately ascertain the loss his corps had sustained . Giulia and Flora were left in the treasure-chamber to snatch a few hours ' repose , if they could , as it was now past two o'clock in the morning , and the marquis accompanied Stephano to the banqueting-hall . Scarcely were the men mustered , when the usual signals announcing the approach of a member of the band were heard , and in a few moments Lomellino appeared amongst the troop . All crowded round him to hear the account which he had to give of his expedition and its failure . His tale was soon told .