nine o’clock
At one moment I was inclined to identify the stranger with M. de Rosny 's brother ; at another with the English ambassador ; and then , again , a wild idea that he might be M. de Bruhl occurred to me . The two remained together about a quarter of an hour and then came out , the stranger leading the way , and saluting me politely as he passed through the room . At the door he turned to say , ` At nine o'clock , then ? ' ` At nine o'clock , ' M. de Rosny replied , holding the door open . ` You will excuse me if I do not descend , Marquis ? ' ` Yes , go back , my friend , ' the stranger answered . And , lighted by Maignan , whose face on such occasions could assume the most stolid air in the world , he disappeared down the stairs , and I heard him go out .