noon
The party decided that they must take advantage of the last fine weather . Hailing a passing cab they set out , accompanied by the pitiful expressions of uneasiness , and the anxious effusions of the old mercer . Crossing Paris , they left the vehicle at the fortifications , and gained Saint-Ouen on foot . It was noon . The dusty road , brightly lit up by the sun , had the blinding whiteness of snow . The air was intensely warm , heavy and pungent . Therese , on the arm of Camille , walked with short steps , concealing herself beneath her umbrella , while her husband fanned his face with an immense handkerchief .