two o'clock in the morning
Monsieur de Bragelonne : I am now in a position to satisfy you : whenever you please , therefore , you can leave for Paris , for which you have my authority . '' `` Sire ! '' exclaimed Raoul , while Mary stifled an exclamation of grief which rose to her lips , unconsciously pressing Buckingham 's arm . `` You can be at Dover this evening , '' continued the king ; `` the tide serves at two o'clock in the morning . '' Raoul , astounded , stammered out a few broken sentences , which equally answered the purpose both of thanks and of excuse . `` I therefore bid you adieu , Monsieur de Bragelonne , and wish you every sort of prosperity , '' said the king , rising ; `` you will confer a pleasure on me by keeping this diamond in remembrance of me ; I had intended it as a marriage gift . '' Miss Grafton felt her limbs almost giving way ; and , as Raoul received the diamond from the king 's hand , he , too , felt his strength and courage failing him .