three o'clock
The Abbe Constantin had not even had time to give Loulou his piece of sugar , or rather his pieces of sugar , for he had put five or six in his pocket , considering that Loulou had well deserved this feast by ten long days ' march , and a score of nights passed under the open sky . Besides , since Mrs. Scott had lived at Longueval , Loulou had very often had several pieces of sugar ; the Abbe Constantin had become extravagant , prodigal ; he felt himself a millionaire , the sugar for Loulou was one of his follies . One day , even , he had been on the point of addressing to Loulou his everlasting little speech : `` This comes from the new mistresses of Longueval ; pray for them to - night . '' It was three o'clock when Jean arrived at the vicarage , and the Cure said , immediately : `` You told me that you wanted to speak to me ; what is it about ? '' `` About something , my dear godfather , which will surprise you , will grieve you -- '' `` Grieve me ! '' `` Yes , and which grieves me , too -- I have come to bid you farewell . '' `` Farewell !