one in the afternoon
Pierrette 's cries had been faintly heard , though they were soon over . No one had risen to inquire what they meant , but every one said the next day , `` Did you hear those screams about one in the morning ? '' Gossip and comments soon magnified the horrible drama , and a crowd collected in front of Frappier 's shop , asking the worthy cabinet-maker for information , and hearing from him how Pierrette was brought to his house with her fingers broken and the hand bloody . Towards one in the afternoon the post-chaise of Doctor Bianchon , who was accompanied by Brigaut , stopped before the house , and Madame Frappier went at once to summon Monsieur Martener and the surgeon in charge of the hospital . Thus the gossip of the town received confirmation . The Rogrons were declared to have ill-used their cousin deliberately , and to have come near killing her . Vinet heard the news while attending to his business in the law courts ; he left everything and hurried to the Rogrons .