three o’clock
In other cities of Europe the sight of a young married couple preceded by four children would have excited no comment , but here in Paris the spectacle was so unusual that remarks of astonishment , sarcasm , and even compassion were exchanged . Mathieu and Marianne divined , even if they did not actually hear , these comments , but they cared nothing for them . They bravely went their way , smiling at one another , and feeling convinced that the course they had taken in life was the right one , whatever other folks might think or say . It was three o'clock when they turned their steps homeward ; and Marianne , feeling rather tired , then took a little rest on a sofa in the drawing-room , where Zoe had previously lighted a good fire . The children , quieted by fatigue , were sitting round a little table , listening to a tale which Denis read from a story-book , when a visitor was announced . This proved to be Constance , who , after driving out with Maurice , had thought of calling to inquire after Marianne , whom she saw only once or twice a week , although the little pavilion was merely separated by a garden from the large house on the quay . `` Oh !