the hour of ten
Brigitte consented with good grace and began playing for us ; Smith accompanied her on the violoncello . The materials for a bowl of punch were brought and the flame of burning rum soon cheered us with its light . The piano was abandoned for the table ; then we had cards ; everything passed off as I wished and we succeeded in diverting ourselves to my heart 's content . I had my eyes fixed on the clock and waited impatiently for the hands to mark the hour of ten . I was tormented with anxiety , but allowed them to see nothing . Finally , the hour arrived ; I heard the postilion 's whip as the horses entered the court . Brigitte was seated near me ; I took her by the hand and asked her if she was ready to depart .