a quarter past six
On examining himself he had the satisfaction to feel that he was calmer than in the morning , and that as the moment of attack approached , his agitation decreased ; decision , firmness , and coolness came to him ; he felt master of his will , and capable of obeying it . At six o'clock precisely he rang at Balzajette 's door , and they started immediately for the Rue Sainte-Anne . Happy to have a complaisant listener , Balzajette did all the talking , so that Saniel had only to reply `` yes '' or `` no '' from time to time , and of course it was not of Madame Dammauville that he spoke , but other matters -- of a first representation on the previous evening at the Opera Comique ; of politics ; of the next salon . At exactly a quarter past six they reached the house in the Rue Sainte - Anne , where Saniel had not been since Caffies death . On passing the old concierge 's lodge he felt satisfied with himself ; his heart did not beat too quickly , his ideas were firm and clear . Should danger arrive , he felt assured of mastery over himself , without excitement , as without brutality . Balzajette rang the bell , and the door was opened by a maid , who was , evidently , placed in the vestibule to await their arrival .