three o’clock
Adolphine , then eighteen , -- who for the last seven years had sewed at the side of her grandmother in that cold household of monotonous and methodical customs , -- had undertaken her neuvaine all the more willingly because she hoped to inspire some feeling in Joseph Bridau , in whom she took the deepest interest because of the monstrosities which her grandfather attributed in her hearing to the young Parisian . All the old people and sensible people of the town , and the fathers of families approved of Madame Hochon 's conduct in receiving her goddaughter ; and their good wishes for the latter 's success were in proportion to the secret contempt with which the conduct of Maxence Gilet had long inspired them . Thus the news of the arrival of Rouget 's sister and nephew raised two parties in Issoudun , -- that of the higher and older bourgeoisie , who contented themselves with offering good wishes and in watching events without assisting them , and that of the Knights of Idleness and the partisans of Max , who , unfortunately , were capable of committing many high-handed outrages against the Parisians . Agathe and Joseph arrived at the coach-office of the Messageries-Royales in the place Misere at three o'clock . Though tired with the journey , Madame Bridau felt her youth revive at sight of her native land , where at every step she came upon memories and impressions of her girlish days . In the then condition of public opinion in Issoudun , the arrival of the Parisians was known all over the town in ten minutes . Madame Hochon came out upon her doorstep to welcome her godchild , and kissed her as though she were really a daughter .