six o'clock
The young man , who signed his articles , `` D. de Cantel , '' his `` Echoes , '' `` Duroy , '' and his political sketches , `` Du Roy , '' spent the best part of his time with his betrothed , who had decided that the date fixed for the wedding should be kept secret , that the ceremony should be celebrated in the presence of witnesses only , that they should leave the same evening for Rouen , and that the day following they should visit the journalist 's aged parents and spend several days with them . Duroy had tried to persuade Madeleine to abandon that project , but not succeeding in his efforts he was finally compelled to submit . The tenth of May arrived . Thinking a religious ceremony unnecessary , as they had issued no invitations , the couple were married at a magistrate 's and took the six o'clock train for Normandy . As the train glided along , Duroy seated in front of his wife , took her hand , kissed it , and said : `` When we return we will dine at Chatou sometimes . '' She murmured : `` We shall have a great many things to do ! '' in a tone which seemed to say : `` We must sacrifice pleasure to duty . ''