midday
`` If it had been my husband , I should have been at the window all night , '' said Lisa , with a gay laugh -- and Desiree laughed too . Mathilde seemed a long time in coming , and when at length she appeared Desiree could scarcely repress a movement of surprise . Mathilde was dressed , all in her best , as for a fete . At breakfast Lisa brought the news told to her at the door that the Governor would re-enter the city in state with his staff at midday . The citizens were invited to decorate their streets , and to gather there to welcome the returning garrison . `` And the citizens will accept the invitation , '' commented Sebastian , with a curt laugh . `` All the world has sneered at Russia since the Empire existed -- and yet it has to learn from Moscow what part a citizen may play in war .