three o'clock
It was not likely that the Princess de Lamballe should escape , -- she who had been the superintendent of the royal household , and the intimate friend of the queen ; -- she who , after having been in safety in London , had gone back to France , to share the fortunes of her mistress and friend . This news of the taking of Verdun cost her her life ; and a multitude more were massacred during the next three days . In the night after the news came , the queen , who could not sleep , heard the drums rolling continually . The next day , the 3rd of September , as she was sitting down to backgammon with , the king , at three o'clock , a great clamour was heard in the street . The officer on guard in the room shut the window , and drew the curtains , -- knowing well what was the matter . Clery at this moment entered . The queen asked him why he was not at dinner .