about two o’clock in the morning
While Ostermann was thus lamenting , and the prince with kindly sympathy was occupied about him , Munnich had returned the drawing to his pocket , and was speaking in a low tone to the duchess of some yet necessary preparations for the night . Count Ostermann , notwithstanding his lamentations and his pretended pains , had yet a sharp ear for every word they spoke . He very distinctly heard the duchess say : `` Well , I am satisfied ! I shall expect you at about two o'clock in the morning , and if the affair is successful , you , Count Munnich , may be sure of my most fervent gratitude ; you will then have liberated Russia , the young emperor , and myself , from a cruel and despotic tyrant , and I shall be eternally beholden to you . '' Count Munnich 's brow beamed with inward satisfaction . `` I shall , then , attain my ends , '' thought he . Aloud he said : `` Your highness , I have but one wish and one request ; if you are willing to fulfil this , then will there be nothing left on earth for me to desire . ''