seven o'clock
Something seemed to be troubling the august mind of Prince Michael . `` By the way , my dear Beliani , '' he began ; but the Greek awoke into a very panic of action . `` Pray forgive me , your Highness , '' he said . `` If I have to raise such a large sum before seven o'clock I can not lose an instant . '' `` I shall see you off from the Gare de l'Est , '' cried Marulitch hurriedly , and the two quitted the room in company . Alec went to pay a brief visit to his mother , and Prince Michael was left alone with the rugged old General . Then , for a few seconds , he became a man .