midnight
He ran every moment to listen to the regular beating of the old clock . Meanwhile the clock had struck , and to Scholastique 's great terror , these words had appeared on the silver face : -- `` MAN OUGHT TO BECOME THE EQUAL OF GOD . '' The old man had not only not been shocked by these impious maxims , but read them deliriously , and flattered himself with thoughts of pride , whilst Pittonaccio kept close by him . The marriage-contract was to be signed at midnight . Gerande , almost unconscious , saw or heard nothing . The silence was only broken by the old man 's words , and the chuckling of Pittonaccio . Eleven o'clock struck .