seven o'clock
David awaited the interview with the Cointets with a vague feeling of uneasiness ; not , however , on account of the proposed partnership , nor for his own interests -- he felt nervous as to their opinion of his work . He was in something the same position as a dramatic author before his judges . The inventor 's pride in the discovery so nearly completed left no room for any other feelings . At seven o'clock that evening , while Mme. du Chatelet , pleading a sick headache , had gone to her room in her unhappiness over the rumors of Lucien 's departure ; while M. de Comte , left to himself , was entertaining his guests at dinner -- the tall Cointet and his stout brother , accompanied by Petit-Claud , opened negotiations with the competitor who had delivered himself up , bound hand and foot . A difficulty awaited them at the outset . How was it possible to draw up a deed of partnership unless they knew David 's secret ? And if David divulged his secret , he would be at the mercy of the Cointets .