eleven
o'clock precisely
Then , after a moment 's silence , and with a smile which was peculiarly her own , she added : -- `` Beautiful mask , stained with the blood of that brave knight , you shall go and join that collection of wonders , La Valliere 's and Raoul 's letters , that loving collection , indeed , which will some day or other form part of the history of France and of royalty . You shall be taken under M. Malicorne 's care , '' said the laughing girl , as she began to undress herself , `` under the protection of that worthy M. Malicorne , '' she said , blowing out the taper , `` who thinks he was born only to become the chief usher of Monsieur 's apartments , and whom I will make keeper of the records and historiographer of the house of Bourbon , and of the first houses in the kingdom . Let him grumble now , that discontented Malicorne , '' she added , as she drew the curtains and fell fast asleep . The next day being agreed upon for the departure , the king , at eleven o'clock precisely , descended the grand staircase with the two queens and Madame , in order to enter his carriage drawn by six horses which were pawing the ground in impatience at the foot of the staircase . The whole court awaited the royal appearance in the _ Fer-a-cheval _ crescent , in their traveling costumes ; the large number of saddled horses and carriages of ladies and gentlemen of the court , surrounded by their attendants , servants , and pages , formed a spectacle whose brilliancy could scarcely be equaled . The king entered his carriage with the two queens ; Madame was in the same with Monsieur . The maids of honor followed the example , and took their seats , two by two , in the carriages destined for them .