nine
o'clock
For which compliment I fervently thanked him , and shook the dust of London from off my feet . The Vicomte de Clericy had notified to me by letter that my post would be held vacant and at my disposal for an indefinite period , but that at the same time my presence would be an infinite relief to him . This was no doubt the old gentleman 's courteous way of putting it , for I had done little enough to make my absence of any note . Travelling all night , I arrived in the Rue des Palmiers at nine o'clock one morning , and took coffee as usual in my study . At ten o'clock Monsieur de Clericy came to me there , and was kind enough to express both sympathy at my bereavement and pleasure at my return . In reply I thanked him . `` But , '' I added , `` I regret that I must resign my post . ''