two o’clock
He would thus have a companion , an heir , who would protect him against the machinations of his father . Gradually he came to see himself , in his selfish forethought , loved , petted , and protected ; yet for all that he might not have risked such a journey , if his physician had not just at that time sent him to the waters of St. Gervais . Thus , having to go only a few leagues out of his way , he had dropped in unexpectedly that morning on old Mme. Rougon , firmly resolved to take the train again in the evening , after having questioned her and seen the boy . At two o'clock Pascal and Clotilde were still beside the fountain under the plane trees where they had taken their coffee , when Felicite arrived with Maxime . `` My dear , here 's a surprise ! I have brought you your brother . '' Startled , the young girl had risen , seeing this thin and sallow stranger , whom she scarcely recognized .