noon
`` No one will come . But I take it especially ill of Claire not to come up . She is at home -- I am sure of it -- I can hear her . '' Indeed , ever since noon , Sidonie has listened intently to the slightest sounds on the floor below , the child 's crying , the closing of doors . Risler attempts to go down again in order to avoid a renewal of the conversation at breakfast ; but his wife will not allow him to do so . The very least he can do is to stay with her when everybody else abandons her , and so he remains there , at a loss what to say , rooted to the spot , like those people who dare not move during a storm for fear of attracting the lightning . Sidonie moves excitedly about , going in and out of the salon , changing the position of a chair , putting it back again , looking at herself as she passes the mirror , and ringing for her maid to send her to ask Pere Achille if no one has inquired for her .