four o'clock
To the right of the throne were ranged the princes of the Church , hardly less resplendent in their robes than the secular nobles facing them , while between , forming a perfect foil for this glowing mass of color and jewels , a sombre spot in the brilliant assemblage , the tiers sat facing their sovereign . It was ominous -- or so it seemed to Mr. Calvert -- that the tiers should thus divide the two orders naturally most closely allied , and should sit as if in opposition or menace over against their King . And it was to them that the King seemed to speak or rather to read his address , which had been carefully prepared for him and was intentionally so vague that it aroused but little enthusiasm ; to them that Monsieur le Garde des Sceaux appealed without great effect ; and it was , above all , to the tiers that Monsieur Necker , rising , addressed himself , receiving in turn their warmest plaudits . So long and so frequently interrupted by applause was Necker 's report that it was after four o'clock when the King rose to dismiss the Assembly . As he descended the steps the Queen came forward to his side , and , for the first time , a faint `` Vive la Reine ! '' was heard . At the sound a quick blush of pleasure showed in her pallid cheeks and she courtesied low to the throng with such divine grace that the acclamations redoubled .