six in the evening
This I did , hiring such furniture as I needed , which was not a great deal . To Simon Fleix , whose assistance in these matters was invaluable , I passed on much of M. de Rosny 's advice , bidding him ruffle it with the best in his station , and inciting him to labour for my advancement by promising to make his fortune whenever my own should be assured . I hoped , indeed , to derive no little advantage from the quickness of wit ; which had attracted M. de Rosny 's attention ; although I did not fail to take into account at the same time that the lad was wayward and fitful , prone at one time to depression , and at another to giddiness , and equally uncertain in either mood . M. de Rambouillet being unable to attend the LEVEE , had appointed me to wait upon him at six in the evening ; at which hour I presented myself at his lodgings , attended by Simon Fleix . I found him in the midst of half a dozen gentlemen whose habit it was to attend him upon all public occasions ; and these gallants , greeting me with the same curious and suspicious glances which I have seen hounds bestow on a strange dog introduced into their kennel , I was speedily made to feel that it is one thing to have business at Court , and another to be well received there . M. de Rambouillet , somewhat to my surprise , did nothing to remove this impression . On all ordinary occasions a man of stiff and haughty bearing , and thoroughly disliking , though he could not prevent , the intrusion of a third party into a transaction which promised an infinity of credit , he received me so coldly and with so much reserve as for the moment to dash my spirits and throw me back on myself .