eight o’clock
He had been so frightened by Nani and others that he feared he might jeopardise everything by inconsiderate endeavours . And so he began to visit Rome in order to occupy his leisure . His first visit was for the ruins of the Palatine . Going out alone one clear morning at eight o'clock , he presented himself at the entrance in the Via San Teodoro , an iron gateway flanked by the lodges of the keepers . One of the latter at once offered his services , and though Pierre would have preferred to roam at will , following the bent of his dream , he somehow did not like to refuse the offer of this man , who spoke French very distinctly , and smiled in a very good-natured way . He was a squatly built little man , a former soldier , some sixty years of age , and his square-cut , ruddy face was barred by thick white moustaches . `` Then will you please follow me , Monsieur l'Abbe , '' said he .