ten o'clock
Marie did not offer to kiss her guardian for this birthday gift . She merely held out both hands , and gave his a clasp that was so close and warm that it said more than words or kisses . She waited impatiently for evening to test the working of her wonderful screen . She did not amuse herself with her cards , as usual , but went to bed at ten o'clock . At the same moment that the screen unrolled and was caught by the springs in the floor , Count Ludwig 's footsteps were heard in the corridor . In one hand he carried a two-branched candlestick , in the other his pistol-case and ink-horn . His pen was between his lips ; his books and papers were held under his arm .