seven o'clock
One of our agents will set the harmless attempt in motion , and the individual selected -- who , by the way , has escaped the gallows more than once -- will swear in court that Fanfaro is the intellectual head of the assassination and chief conspirator . '' Before the marquis could express his satisfaction , the Marquis of Montferrand was announced . `` A visit at this hour ! '' cried Fougereuse , in amazement ; `` it is hardly seven o'clock . '' `` The gentleman comes on important business , as he informed me , '' said the servant . `` Bring the marquis in , '' ordered the nobleman ; and as the servant went away he hastily said to Simon : `` Hide behind the curtain , and remain there until the interview is over ; perhaps you might hear something that will further our plans . '' Simon nodded and disappeared , while the marquis was led in .