four o’clock
At the Bishop 's Palace , not only would she be apt to find it difficult to be received , but , on the other hand , there were always so many people about she would be ill at ease ; whilst it would be so simple to await him in the chapel , and to introduce herself to Monseigneur as soon as he appeared . That day she embroidered with her usual application and composure . Firm in her wish , sure of doing the right thing , she had no impatient fever of expectation . When it was four o'clock she spoke of going to see the _ mere _ Gabet , and went out , dressed as for an ordinary walk , wearing her little garden-hat tied carelessly under her chin . She turned to the left , and pushing open the linted , stuffed door of the portal of Saint Agnes , let it fall back heavily behind her . The church was empty ; alone , the confessional of Saint Joseph was still occupied by a penitent , the edge of whose black dress was just seen as one passed . Angelique , who had been perfectly self-possessed until now , began to tremble as she entered this sacred , cold solitude , where even the little sound of her steps seemed to echo terribly .