a quarter to eight
The next day , Wednesday , Monsieur Rabourdin was to transact business with the minister , for he had filled the late La Billardiere 's place since the beginning of the latter 's illness . On such days the clerks came punctually , the servants were specially attentive , there was always a certain excitement in the offices on these signing-days , -- and why , nobody ever knew . On this occasion the three servants were at their post , flattering themselves they should get a few fees ; for a rumor of Rabourdin 's nomination had spread through the ministry the night before , thanks to Dutocq . Uncle Antoine and Laurent had donned their full uniform , when , at a quarter to eight , des Lupeaulx 's servant came in with a letter , which he begged Antoine to give secretly to Dutocq , saying that the general-secretary had ordered him to deliver it without fail at Monsieur Dutocq 's house by seven o'clock . `` I 'm sure I do n't know how it happened , '' he said , `` but I overslept myself . I 've only just waked up , and he 'd play the devil 's tattoo on me if he knew the letter had n't gone . I know a famous secret , Antoine ; but do n't say anything about it to the clerks if I tell you ; promise ?