five o’clock in the evening
`` Very good then , you can take him , '' said she . `` You can take him ! '' echoed the colonel , and they passed on their way . Toward five o'clock in the evening Captain Mattei came to escort them on board the schooner . On the jetty , near the captain 's gig , they met a tall young man wearing a blue frock-coat , buttoned up to his chin ; his face was tanned , his eyes were black , brilliant , wide open , his whole appearance intelligent and frank . His shoulders , well thrown back , and his little twisted mustache clearly revealed the soldier -- for at that period mustaches were by no means common , and the National Guard had not carried the habits and appearance of the guard-room into the bosom of every family . When the young man saw the colonel he doffed his cap , and thanked him in excellent language , and without the slightest shyness , for the service he was rendering him .