One o'clock precisely
`` Start myself to-morrow ... '' This she had read quite distinctly ; then came a blur caused by the smoke of the candle , which obliterated the next few words ; but , right at the bottom , there was another sentence , which was now standing clearly and distinctly , like letters of fire , before her mental vision . `` If you wish to speak to me again , I shall be in the supper-room at one o'clock precisely . '' The whole was signed with the hastily-scrawled little device -- a tiny star-shaped flower , which had become so familiar to her . One o'clock precisely ! It was now close upon eleven , the last minuet was being danced , with Sir Andrew Ffoulkes and beautiful Lady Blakeney leading the couples , through its delicate and intricate figures . Close upon eleven ! the hands of the handsome Louis XV .