one to
three o’clock
Though Fleury was dreaded as a bully in all the offices , he received Thuillier 's speech in silence . This meekness , which surprised the other clerks , was owing to a certain note for two hundred francs , of doubtful value , which Thuillier agreed to pass over to his sister . After this skirmish dead silence prevailed . They all wrote steadily from one to three o'clock . Du Bruel did not return . About half-past three the usual preparations for departure , the brushing of hats , the changing of coats , went on in all the ministerial offices . That precious thirty minutes thus employed served to shorten by just so much the day 's labor .