four in the afternoon
Bussy went to the ducal palace , where already all the nobility of the provinces were arriving . He hastened to arrange an official reception , a repast and speeches , and having thus cut out some hours ' occupation for the prince , mounted his other horse , and galloped to Méridor . The duke made some good speeches , and produced a great effect , giving himself out for a prince persecuted by the king on account of the love of the Parisians for him . When Bussy returned , it was four in the afternoon ; he dismounted , and presented himself to the duke all covered with dust . `` Ah ! my brave Bussy , you have been at work ? '' `` You see , monseigneur . ''