four o'clock in the afternoon
`` Then not a word will pass your lips ? '' `` On my honor , chevalier . '' D'Harmental tied the letter to Mirza 's neck , gave her a piece of sugar as a reward for the commission she was about to accomplish ; and , half sad at having lost his beautiful neighbor for six weeks , half glad at having regained forever his beautiful uniform , he took his money , put his pistols into his pockets , fastened on his sword , took his hat and cloak , and followed the Abbe Brigaud . At the appointed day and hour , that is to say , six weeks after his departure from the capital , and at four o'clock in the afternoon , D'Harmental , returning from Brittany , entered the courtyard of the Palace of Sceaux , with his post horses going at full gallop . Servants in full livery waited on the door-step , and everything announced preparations for a fete . D'Harmental entered , crossed the hall , and found himself in a large room , where about twenty people were assembled , standing in groups talking , while waiting for the mistress of the house . There were , among others , the Comte de Laval , the Marquis de Pompadour , the poet St. Genest , the old Abbe Chaulieu , St. Aulaire , Madame de Rohan , Madame de Croissy , Madame de Charost , and Madame de Brissac .