ten o'clock
The antagonists and their four seconds made it a point of honor that a duel , involving so large a fortune , and the reputation of two men noted for their courage , should not appear the result of an ordinary squabble . No two gentlemen could have behaved better than Philippe and Max ; in this respect the anxious waiting of the young men and townspeople grouped about the market-place was balked . All the guests , like true soldiers , kept silence as to the episode which took place at dessert . At ten o'clock that night the two adversaries were informed that the sabre was the weapon agreed upon by the seconds ; the place chosen for the rendezvous was behind the chancel of the church of the Capuchins at eight o'clock the next morning . Goddet , who was at the banquet in his quality of former army surgeon , was requested to be present at the meeting . The seconds agreed that , no matter what might happen , the combat should last only ten minutes . At eleven o'clock that night , to Colonel Bridau 's amazement , Monsieur Hochon appeared at his rooms just as he was going to bed , escorting Madame Hochon .