twelve minutes past nine
At this instant , M. Charnot came back to us , having seen his two trunks and a hatbox placed on top of the omnibus of the Hotel de France . `` That is where you have found rooms for us ? '' `` Yes , sir . '' `` It is now twelve minutes past nine ; tell Monsieur Mouillard that we shall call upon him at ten o'clock precisely . '' I went a few steps with them , and saw them into the omnibus , which was whirled off at a fast trot by its two steeds . When I had lost them from my sight I cast a look around me , and noticed three people standing in line beneath the awning , and gazing upon me with interest . I recognized Monsieur , Madame , and Mademoiselle Lorinet .