ten o'clock
There came over her the acute longing which always summoned into her spiritual vision the presence of the beloved one , overpowering her at once with a sense of the unattainable . The moments glided on , while a feeling of good fellowship passed around the circle like a mystic cord , holding and binding these people together with jest and laughter . Monsieur Ratignolle was the first to break the pleasant charm . At ten o'clock he excused himself . Madame Ratignolle was waiting for him at home . She was bien souffrante , and she was filled with vague dread , which only her husband 's presence could allay . Mademoiselle Reisz arose with Monsieur Ratignolle , who offered to escort her to the car .