10 o'clock
He had made up his mind -LRB- and being of a hopeful nature , considered more than half the battle was fought in consequence -RRB- , that come what might , he would prevail on Marguerite to marry him at once , and trust to gain her Father 's forgiveness when the deed was done beyond recall . And so our friend Charlie whistled and sang through this day , building all sorts of pleasant castles about his future life , little thinking what a train was being laid , to which , if the match were applied , he and his castles would be blown up in a more sanguinary , if not more decisive manner , than these airy fabrications generally have to yield to ! Hirzel had been detained on various pretexts by his Father ; in consequence he was rather late in starting for this important business on which he was to be despatched . From the time he managed to get off , it was not at all likely that he could be back before 10 o'clock . Marguerite 's heart quite misgave her when she heard this , but as time moved on , and it came to half-past 7 , she was re-assured to find that Jacques Gaultier was putting away his tools , and finally left the house , saying that he had `` work for himself at home , but would return the following morning to finish repairing those rafters that had so suddenly got out of repair . '' Matters seemed better still when her Father said he did not feel at all himself that night , and that he thought he would go off to bed . Marguerite wished him `` Good night ; '' and at 8 o'clock found herself alone and mistress of her own actions .