six in the evening
The evening was superb , and the distance from the Batignolles to the Rue de Monceau very short , so the commander and Olivier proceeded modestly on foot to Herminie 's home . Fortunately the exercise this involved softened the rigid folds of the commander 's cravat a little , and though he may have looked a little less imposing when he reached his destination , this fact did not impair in the least the noble expression of his honest , manly face . On the very evening that the two marriage contracts were to be signed , M. Bouffard , the owner of the house that sheltered Herminie , his pianist , as he had styled her ever since the young girl began giving lessons to his daughter , -- M. Bouffard came after dinner to make his usual tour of inspection , for rent day was close at hand . He reached the house about half-past six in the evening , and seated himself in Madame Moufflon 's room to question her in regard to the supposed financial condition of the tenants , and to ascertain if any of them showed signs of uneasiness as the dread moment approached . `` Why , no , M. Bouffard . I ca n't say that any of them do , '' replied Madame Moufflon , `` that is , except the new tenant on the third floor . '' `` Well , what about him ? ''