three in the afternoon
I looked round the tennis-court -- which , empty , shadowy and silent , seemed a fit place for such horrors -- with rage and repulsion ; apprehending in a moment of sad presage all the accursed strokes of an enemy whom nothing could propitiate , and who , sooner or later , must set all my care at nought , and take from France her greatest benefactor . But , it will be said , I had no proof , only a conjecture ; and this is true , but of it hereafter . Suffice it that , as soon as I had swallowed my indignation , I took all the precautions affection could suggest or duty enjoin , omitting nothing ; and then , confiding the matter to no one the two men who were with me excepted -- I prepared to observe the issue with gloomy satisfaction . The match was to take place at three in the afternoon . A little after that hour , I arrived at the tennis-court , attended by La Font and other gentlemen , and M. l'Huillier , the councillor , who had dined with me . L'Huillier 's business had detained me somewhat , and the men had begun ; but as I had anticipated this , I had begged my good friend De Vic to have an eye to my interests . The King , who was in the gallery , had with him M. de Montpensier , the Comte de Lude , Vitry , Varennes , and the Florentine Ambassador , with Sancy and some others .