ten
o'clock
`` It was a hard fought field indeed , '' Conde said , `` and the result is a glorious one for France . Now we will keep you no longer from your couch . '' `` May I ask , sir , at what time we ought to present ourselves with the despatches at the palace ? '' `` It will not be necessary for you to present yourselves before ten o'clock , for it was late last night before her majesty retired . Paris was wild at the news of the victory , and the reception at the palace was crowded . Still , I should say that at ten it would be well that you and your companions should attend there , though you may have to wait for an hour or more for an audience . '' At ten o'clock Hector and his companions presented themselves at the palace .