Seven o'clock
Pécuchet , without absolving them from blame , exhibited some respect for religion . Meanwhile , the twilight was falling , and the window-blinds in front of them were raised . The passers-by became more numerous . Seven o'clock struck . Their words rushed on in an inexhaustible stream ; remarks succeeding to anecdotes , philosophic views to individual considerations . They disparaged the management of the bridges and causeways , the tobacco administration , the theatres , our marine , and the entire human race , like people who had undergone great mortifications . In listening to each other both found again some ideas which had long since slipped out of their minds ; and though they had passed the age of simple emotions , they experienced a new pleasure , a kind of expansion , the tender charm associated with their first appearance on life 's stage .