nine o’clock
In that awful hour he clung to the beautiful tree to which , as to a friend , he had attached himself ; then he put the two stones into the pockets of his overcoat , which he buttoned across his breast . He had come intentionally without a hat . He now went to the deep pool he had long selected , and glided into it resolutely , trying to make as little noise as possible , and , in fact , making scarcely any . When , at half-past nine o'clock , Madame Granson returned home , her servant said nothing of Athanase , but gave her a letter . She opened it and read these few words , -- `` My good mother , I have departed ; do n't be angry with me . '' `` A pretty trick he has played me ! '' she thought .