five o’clock
She kissed the old lady , who remained surprised and frightened at having been the first to forget her son . As Madame Raquin went to bed , she sobbed bitterly , accusing herself of having less strength than Therese , and of desiring , out of egotism , a marriage that the young widow accepted by simple abnegation . The following morning , Michaud and his old friend had a short conversation in the arcade , before the door of the shop , where they communicated to one another the result of their efforts , and agreed to hurry matters on by forcing the young people to become affianced the same evening . At five o'clock , Michaud was already in the shop when Laurent entered . As soon as the young man had seated himself , the former commissary of police said in his ear : `` She accepts . '' This blunt remark was overheard by Therese who remained pale , with her eyes impudently fixed on Laurent . The two sweethearts looked at each other for a few seconds as if consulting .