three hours before noon
` May I ask whether you are for Meudon , where the King of Navarre lies , or for the Court at St. Cloud ? ' I muttered , moving restlessly under his keen eyes , that I was for Meudon . ` Then , if you care to travel with a larger company , ' he rejoined , bowing with negligent courtesy , ` pray command me . I am for Meudon also , and shall leave here three hours before noon . ' Fortunately he took my assent to his gracious invitation for granted , and turned away before I had well begun to thank him . From Crillon I found it more difficult to escape . He appeared to have conceived a great fancy for me , and felt also , I imagine , some curiosity as to my identity .