the hour of two
exclaimed Louison , laughing . `` That is why they turned suddenly and fled into the fields . '' I fled , too , -- perhaps as suddenly as the Britishers , -- to save myself the disgrace of laughter . The great clock in the hall above-stairs tolled the hour of two . The ladies had all gone to bed save the baroness . The butler had started upstairs , a candelabrum in his hand . Following him were the count and Mr. Parish , supporting the general between them .