five o'clock
And he was like one of the last year 's leaves before him , whirled helpless and will-less in the dust-storm of the road ! He had sat there an unnoticed time when the sound of some heavy carriage approaching roused him . From his green covert he could see all that passed , and instinctively he looked up . It was the Barbizon _ diligence _ going in to meet the five o'clock train at Fontainebleau , a train which in these lengthening days very often brought guests to the inn . The _ correspondance _ had been only begun during the last week , and to the dwellers at Barbizon the afternoon _ diligence _ had still the interest of novelty . With the perception of habit David noticed that there was no one outside ; but though the rough blinds were most of them drawn down he thought he perceived some one inside -- a lady . Strange that anyone should prefer the stifling _ interieur _ who could mount beside the driver with a parasol !