A quarter to twelve
he cried ; `` you do n't know how anxious Madame has been since she heard you had gone through the gate of Conches ; she was afraid you were drowned . They have rung the great bell three times , and Monsieur le cure is hunting for you in the park . '' `` What time is it , Charles ? '' `` A quarter to twelve . '' `` Help me to mount . '' `` Ha ! '' exclaimed the groom , noticing the water that dripped from Blondet 's boots and trousers , `` has monsieur been taken in by Pere Fourchon 's otter ? ''