eight o’clock
Alas ! she knew that they would not -- the subtle feeling of youth had left her for ever ; and this girl , leaning up against the house with her golden head resting on her arm , knew that the change had come over her which turns all from youth to age . Suddenly she heard the rattle of wheels , and rousing herself from her reverie , she saw a hansom cab at the gate , and M. Vandeloup standing on the pavement paying the driver . She also heard her lover tell the cabman to call for him at eight o'clock , and her heart sank within her as she thought that he would be gone again in two hours . The cab drove off , and she stood cold and silent on the verandah waiting for Gaston , who sauntered slowly up the walk with one hand in the pocket of his trousers . He was in evening dress , and the night being warm he did not wear an overcoat , so looked tall and slim in his dark clothes as he came up the path swinging his cane gaily to and fro . ` Well , Bebe , ' he said , brightly , as he bent down and kissed her , ` here I am , you see ; I hope you 've got a nice dinner for me ? '