midnight
`` What is going on in L'Houmeau ? '' he asked of Basine . `` They are giving a dinner to your brother-in-law , Lucien -- '' `` I know that he would feel sorry to miss me there , '' he said . At midnight Petit-Claud walked home with Lucien . As they reached the Place du Murier , Lucien said , `` Come life , come death , we are friends , my dear fellow . '' `` My marriage contract , '' said the lawyer , `` with Mlle. Francoise de la Haye will be signed to-morrow at Mme. de Senonches ' house ; do me the pleasure of coming . Mme. de Senonches implored me to bring you , and you will meet Mme. du Chatelet ; they are sure to tell her of your speech , and she will feel flattered by it . ''