two o'clock
When Mme. Derame entered the dining-room of the hotel at eleven o'clock , Raoul went straight to her , and the cavalryman , always adroit in his manoeuvres , had taken possession of Mlle. Martha . A short dialogue ensued between Raoul and Mme. Derame , who was much agitated . `` They tell me there are boats every fortnight between Indo-China and Marseilles -- you could put off your departure -- merely taking another boat -- '' `` Ah , thanks , madam , thanks ! '' * * * * * At two o'clock the Derames and young Chamblard accompanied Maurice to the boat for Africa . On the deck of the steamer Raoul said to his friend : `` It 's understood that you are to be best man . On arriving , ask your colonel for leave at once . It will take place , I think , in six weeks . ''