nearly four o’clock
Then , as Mathieu found himself alone with Celeste , the opportunity seemed to him an excellent one to discover La Couteau 's whereabouts . He asked for news of her , saying that a friend of his was in need of a good nurse . `` Well , monsieur , you are in luck 's way , '' the maid replied ; `` La Couteau is to bring a child home to our neighbor , Madame Menoux , this very day . It is nearly four o'clock now , and that is the time when she promised to come . You know Madame Menoux 's place , do you not ? It is the third shop in the first street on the left . '' Then she apologized for being unable to conduct him thither : `` I am alone , '' she said ; `` we still have no news of the master .