about two in the afternoon
Leon de Lora and Bixiou left their victim in the hands of that most roguish and frolicsome member of the anomalous society , -- for Jenny Cadine is the sole rival in that respect of the famous Dejazet . At the supper-table , where Gazonal was fascinated by a silver service made by the modern Benvenuto Cellini , Froment-Meurice , the contents of which were worthy of the container , his mischievous friends were careful to sit at some distance from him ; but they followed with cautious eye the manoeuvres of the clever actress , who , being attracted by the insidious hope of getting her furniture renewed , was playing her cards to take the provincial home with her . No sheep upon the day of the Fete-Dieu ever more meekly allowed his little Saint John to lead him along than Gazonal as he followed his siren . Three days later , Leon and Bixiou , who had not seen Gazonal since that evening , went to his lodgings about two in the afternoon . `` Well , cousin , '' said Leon , `` the Council of State has decided in favour of your suit . '' `` Maybe , but it is useless now , cousin , '' said Gazonal , lifting a melancholy eye to his two friends . `` I 've become a republican . ''