four o'clock
Soon the officer was bowing low to Joan . `` The King presents his compliments , Excellency , '' he said in careful French , `` and wishes to know if you will accompany him for an hour 's ride before sunset . '' -LSB- Illustration : Joan laughed at Alec 's masterful methods Page 199 -RSB- `` Please convey my regrets to his Majesty ; but I do not possess a riding habit , '' said Joan . `` The King told me to say that if your Excellency offers no objection , a habit will be brought to the palace at four o'clock . '' Joan laughed whole heartedly ; for Alec 's masterful methods came as a distinct surprise . Yet , despite her independent spirit , she rejoiced in his dominance . `` Tell his Majesty that I have the utmost confidence in his judgment , '' she said , and her face was still rippling with merriment at the hidden meaning Alec would surely extract from her message when Lord Adalbert Beaumanoir joined her .