about eight o'clock
`` But remember that I must have the money tomorrow . '' And as he passed the open door of the lighted room he saluted the corpse with another genuflection . After he had gone the ladies gathered around the stove , where a great pot of coffee stood , enough to keep them all awake for the whole night . The Poissons arrived about eight o'clock ; then Lantier , carefully watching Gervaise , began to speak of the disgraceful act committed by the landlord in coming to a house to collect money at such a time . `` He is a thorough hypocrite , '' continued Lantier , `` and were I in Madame Coupeau 's place , I would walk off and leave his house on his hands . '' Gervaise heard but did not seem to heed . The Lorilleuxs , delighted at the idea that she would lose her shop , declared that Lantier 's idea was an excellent one .