eleven o'clock
`` All the more reason why I should not be daunted now , '' Zibeline insisted . When they arrived at the public square of the Cascades , in front of the Auteuil hippodrome , she paused a moment between the two lakes , uncertain which course to take . It was Thursday , the day of the races . The vast ground , enclosed on all sides by a fence , had been cleared , since early morning , of the boards covering the paths reserved for pedestrians on days when there was no racing ; but it was only eleven o'clock , and the place was not yet open to the paying public . Several workmen , in white blouses , went along the track , placing litters beside the obstacles where falls occurred most frequently . `` Do you think the gatekeeper will allow us to enter at this hour ? '' Zibeline asked .