seven o’clock
Particularly was this the case with Denis , who was very methodical in his ways and unwilling to place a woman 's happiness in question until he could offer her an assured position . Thus , of their own accord , they had postponed their marriage , quietly and smilingly resisting the passionate assaults of Rose , whom the idea of three weddings on the same day had greatly excited . At the same time , Denis continued visiting Madame Desvignes , who , on her side , equally prudent and confident , received him much as if he were her son . That morning he had even quitted the farm at seven o'clock , saying that he meant to surprise Blaise in bed ; and thus he also was to be met at Janville . As it happened , the fete of Janville fell on Sunday , the second in May . Encompassing the square in front of the railway station were roundabouts , booths , shooting galleries , and refreshment stalls . Stormy showers during the night had cleansed the sky , which was of a pure blue , with a flaming sun , whose heat in fact was excessive for the season .