nine o'clock
and he knew that he had regained his ground . Amid the pleasant tumult the three entered the hotel together , like people in a play . As they were going up the stairs , Parpon whispered to the old soldier , who laid his hand fiercely upon the fine sword at his side , given him that morning by Valmond ; for , looking down , Lagroin saw the young Seigneur maliciously laughing at them , as if in delight at the mischief he had caused . That night , at nine o'clock , the old sergeant went to the Seigneury , knocked , and was admitted to a room where were seated the young Seigneur , Medallion , and the avocat . `` Well , General , '' said De la Riviere , rising with great formality , `` what may I do to serve you ? Will you join our party ? '' He motioned to a chair .