midday
They remained , however , ostensibly on the Rogron side for the purpose of injuring it . Consequently , as soon as Monsieur Martener mentioned the alarming condition of Pierrette 's head , Celeste and the colonel told of the blow she had given herself during the evening when Sylvie had forced her to leave the salon ; and they related the old maid 's barbarous and unfeeling comments , with other statements proving her cruelty to her suffering cousin . Vinet had foreseen this storm ; but he had secured the entire fortune of the Rogrons for Mademoiselle de Chargeboeuf , and he promised himself that in a few weeks she should be mistress of the Rogron house , and reign with him over Provins , and even bring about a fusion with the Breauteys and the aristocrats in the interests of his ambition . From midday to four o'clock all the ladies of the Tiphaine clique sent to inquire after Mademoiselle Lorrain . She , poor girl , was wholly ignorant of the commotion she was causing in the little town . In the midst of her sufferings she was ineffably happy in recovering her grandmother and Brigaut , the two objects of her affection . Brigaut 's eyes were constantly full of tears .