A quarter past ten
And he added in a low voice : `` They have been prowling around me for a long time . '' The two men went downstairs again . Fauville looked at his watch . `` A quarter past ten : bedtime , I am exceedingly tired , and you will excuse me -- '' It was arranged that Perenna and Mazeroux should make themselves comfortable in a couple of easy chairs which they carried into the passage between the study and the entrance hall . But , before bidding them good-night , Hippolyte Fauville , who , although greatly excited , had appeared until then to retain his self-control , was seized with a sudden attack of weakness . He uttered a faint cry . Don Luis turned round and saw the sweat pouring like gleaming water down his face and neck , while he shook with fever and anguish .