five P.M.
He would salute Madame Staubach when he entered the chamber with a majesty of demeanour which he had not before affected , and would say a few words on subjects of public interest -- such as the weather , the price of butter , and the adulteration of the city beer -- in false notes , in tones which did not belong to him , and which in truth disgusted Madame Staubach , who was sincere in all things . But Madame Staubach , though she was disgusted , did not change her mind or abandon her purpose . Linda was to be made to marry Peter Steinmarc , not because he was a pleasant man , but because such a discipline would be for the good of her soul . Madame Staubach therefore listened , and said little or nothing ; and when Peter on a certain Thursday evening remarked as he was leaving the parlour that the week would be over on the following morning , and that he would do himself the honour of asking for the fraulein 's decision on his return from the town-hall at five P.M. on the morrow , apologising at the same time for the fact that he would then be driven to intrude on an irregular day , Madame Staubach merely answered by an assenting motion of her head , and by the utterance of her usual benison , `` God in His mercy be with you , Peter Steinmarc . '' `` And with you too , Madame Staubach . '' Then Peter marched forth with great dignity , holding his pipe as high as his shoulder . Linda Tressel had kept her bed during nearly the whole week , and had in truth been very ill .