nearly ten o’clock
The manner in which he uttered certain words imparted to them all the sting of a whip stroke . With a mere gesture he expressed his utter disgust for the priest 's sin . Like one of those betrayed husbands who enjoy torturing their wives with cruel allusions , he contented himself with recalling the scene at the Paradou , in an indirect fashion , by some word or phrase which sufficed to annihilate the Abbe , whenever the latter 's flesh rebelled . It was nearly ten o'clock and most of the villagers of Les Artaud had retired to rest . But from a brightly lighted house at the far end , near the mill , there still came sounds of merriment . While keeping the best rooms for his own use , old Bambousse had given a corner of his house to his daughter and son-in-law . They were all assembled there , drinking a last glass , while waiting for the priest .