six o'clock
Suddenly , after the lapse of a few days , there came from the princess 's little Gothic room the curt command , `` Pack up , '' and subsequently this was followed by the intimation that a long journey was in prospect . A little later the princess herself appeared . Still silent and languid , she moved slowly about the rooms , arranged some trivial matters , wrote a letter or two , and disappeared again . Next day came forth the order , `` This evening at seven o'clock , '' and punctually at six o'clock she herself emerged , dressed in black travelling costume , followed by her maid , also dressed for a journey . The companion stood in readiness , waiting , before giving the man-servant the final order to close the luggage , till the princess had bestowed an approving glance on the contents . She had not as yet ventured to speak to the princess since the carriage adventure , but now , approaching her casually , she remarked in a low voice , with her eyes fixed on the courtyard , `` The town knows nothing beyond the fact that the horses bolted with us . '' This remark was greeted by a look of haughty displeasure , which gradually changed to one of surprise and finally dismay .