seven o’clock
The notary , meantime , had immediately declared that there existed a will , which had been deposited with him , and he asked Pascal to meet him at his house on the next day but one for the reading ; for he thought he might tell the doctor at once that Uncle Macquart had chosen him as his executor . And he ended by offering , like a kindhearted man , to keep Charles with him until then , comprehending how greatly the boy , who was so unwelcome at his mother 's , would be in the way in the midst of all these occurrences . Charles seemed enchanted , and he remained at the Tulettes . It was not until very late , until seven o'clock , that Clotilde and Pascal were able to take the train to return to Plassans , after the doctor had at last visited the two patients whom he had to see . But when they returned together to the notary 's on the day appointed for the meeting , they had the disagreeable surprise of finding old Mme. Rougon installed there . She had naturally learned of Macquart 's death , and had hurried there on the following day , full of excitement , and making a great show of grief ; and she had just made her appearance again to-day , having heard the famous testament spoken of . The reading of the will , however , was a simple matter , unmarked by any incident .