about three o’clock
The Republicans , in the face of Rougon 's bold demeanour , felt for a moment distrustful . As for the new town -- the lawyers and retired tradespeople who had denounced the yellow drawing-room on the previous evening -- they were so surprised that they dared not again openly attack such a valiant man . They contented themselves with saying `` It was madness to brave victorious insurgents like that , and such useless heroism would bring the greatest misfortunes upon Plassans . '' Then , at about three o'clock , they organised a deputation . Pierre , though he was burning with desire to make a display of his devotion before his fellow-citizens , had not ventured to reckon upon such a fine opportunity . He spoke sublimely . It was in the mayor 's private room that the president of the Provisional Commission received the deputation from the new town .