about two o'clock in the afternoon
Those who remained filled up the ranks , and , looking at one another with an anguish that deprived them of none of their courage , whispered : `` Who of us will die to-morrow ? '' But a secret flame burned in every heart , imparting strength to the weak and resignation to the strong . Cowardice was as rare as voluntary sacrifice was common ; and that which rendered the sight of such fortitude and courage in the presence of danger still more touching , was the tender sympathy that united all the prisoners , without regard to former differences in social position . It was about two o'clock in the afternoon when Dolores , reassured by her interview with Coursegol , made her appearance in the hall frequented by the inmates of the prison . More than a hundred persons had gathered there . They were now scattered about in little groups ; and the conversation was very animated . Here sat an ancient dowager , delighting some gentlemen with piquant anecdotes of the Court of Louis XV. ; there , stood a jovial priest , composing rhymes for the amusement of a half-dozen young girls ; at a little distance were several statesmen , earnestly discussing the recent acts of the Convention -- all doing their best to kill time , as travellers detained at some wayside inn strive to divert one another , while they wait for the sunshine that will enable them to pursue their journey .