midnight
Accordingly he waited until he was leaving ; several gentlemen of his suite accompanied him , and at the entrance to the Louvre the men of the cardinal 's guard fell in on either side . When they reached Mazarin 's hotel Hector moved up to him . `` Can I have a few words with you , your eminence ? '' `` Certainly , Colonel Campbell ; I never retire to bed till long past midnight . It is something serious , I see , '' he said quickly as they entered his apartment , where a number of candles were burning , and he obtained a full view of Hector 's face . `` Another plot ? '' `` Not against your eminence ; it is a matter which concerns myself only .