eight o’clock in the morning
It was one of those infatuations which at last draw bands of country folk , common soldiers , and even nursemaids to the galleries on days of gratuitous admission , in such wise that fifty thousand visitors are recorded on some fine Sundays , an entire army , all the rear battalions of the ignorant lower orders , following society , and marching , with dilated eyes , through that vast picture shop . That famous ` varnishing day ' at first frightened Claude , who was intimidated by the thought of all the fine people whom the newspapers spoke about , and he resolved to wait for the more democratic day of the real inauguration . He even refused to accompany Sandoz . But he was consumed by such a fever , that after all he started off abruptly at eight o'clock in the morning , barely taking time to eat a bit of bread and cheese beforehand . Christine , who lacked the courage to go with him , kissed him again and again , feeling anxious and moved . ` Mind , my dear , do n't worry , whatever happens , ' said she . Claude felt somewhat oppressed as he entered the Gallery of Honour .