three in the morning
Jacob has no scruples of delicacy here , though the nymph is thirty years older than himself , and though he has , if no dislike , no particular affection for her . But it is an obvious step upwards , and he makes no difficulties . The elder sister , however , makes strong efforts to forbid the banns , and her interest prevails on a `` President '' -LRB- the half-regular power of the French _ noblesse de robe _ , though perhaps less violently exercised , must have been almost as galling as the irresponsibleness of men of birth and `` sword '' -RRB- to interpose and actually stop the arranged ceremony . But Jacob appears in person , and states his case convincingly ; the obstacle is removed , and the pair are made happy at an extraordinary hour -LRB- two or three in the morning -RRB- , which seems to have been then fashionable for marriages . The conventional phrase is fairly justified ; for the bride is completely satisfied , and Jacob is not displeased . His marriage , however , interferes not in the very least with his intention to `` get on '' by dint of his handsome face and brawny figure . On the very day of his wedding he goes to visit a lady of position , and also of devoutness , who is a great friend of the President and his wife , has been present at the irregular enquiry , and has done something for him .