eleven o'clock
But it was too long after Napoleon 's fall to connect his present guest with the imperial exiles . He could imagine no ulterior reason for the Marquis 's coming and was inclined to put it down as the caprice of an old restless gentleman who had a genuine mania for solitude . Of solitude , certainly , he was apt to get his fill at the Inn at the Red Oak . At eleven o'clock he returned to keep his appointment . He found the Marquis established at a small table in the bar by an east window , from which was obtained a view of the Cove , of the sand-dunes along the Neck , and of the open sea beyond . A writing-desk was on the table , ink and quills had been provided , a number of books and papers were strewn about , and Monsieur de Boisdhyver was apparently busy with his correspondence . `` Enchanted '' he exclaimed , as he pulled out a great gold watch .