About three o'clock
He did not forget to add , however , with an artful smile , that the fortune had been bequeathed by the elder Deberle , a man whom all Passy held in veneration . The son had only been put to the trouble of inheriting fifteen hundred thousand francs , together with a splendid practice . `` He is , though , a very smart fellow , '' Doctor Bodin hastened to add , `` and I shall be honored by having a consultation with him about the precious health of my little friend Jeanne ! '' About three o'clock Helene made her way downstairs with her daughter , and had to take but a few steps along the Rue Vineuse before ringing at the next-door house . Both mother and daughter still wore deep mourning . A servant , in dress-coat and white tie , opened the door . Helene easily recognized the large entrance-hall , with its Oriental hangings ; on each side of it , however , there were now flower-stands , brilliant with a profusion of blossoms .