ten o'clock in the morning
In the spring time , the place was full of flowers , of nests , of perfumes , of birds , of butterflies , and bees . Thanks to recent improvements , this wild nook no longer exists . Fine , straight lines have taken the place of these wild features ; masonry , quays , and little gardens , have made their appearance ; earthwork has been the rage , and taste has finally subdued the eccentricities of the cliff , and the irregularities of the rocks below . It was a little before ten o'clock in the morning . The crowd at St. Sampson , according to all appearance , was increasing . The multitude , feverish with curiosity , was moving towards the north ; and the Havelet , which is in the south , was more deserted than ever . Notwithstanding this , there was a boat there and a boatman .