two o’clock
This attention was not surprising in a man who was just entering into business relations with so important a person as the municipal councillor , whom it was his interest to firmly secure for a client . La Peyrade was far too shrewd to make any objections to the terms of the contract , which was now read . A few changes requested by Brigitte , which gave the new notary a high idea of the old maid 's business capacity , showed la Peyrade plainly that more precautions were being taken against him than were altogether becoming ; but he was anxious not to raise difficulties , and he knew that the meshes of a contract are never so close that a determined and clever man can not get through them . The appointment was then made for the signing of the contract the next day , at two o'clock , in the notary 's office , the family only being present . During the rest of the evening , taking advantage of Celeste 's pledge to seem smiling and happy , la Peyrade played , as it were , upon the poor child , forced her , by a specious exhibition of gratitude and love , to respond to him on a key that was far , indeed , from the true state of a heart now wholly filled by Felix . Flavie , seeing the manner in which la Peyrade put forth his seductions , was reminded of the pains he had formerly taken to fascinate herself . `` The monster ! ''