Eight o'clock
The house costs a lot to keep up , and money would be welcome . '' Pierre then vainly endeavoured to persuade Narcisse to stay and sup with him , but the young man gave his word of honour that he was expected elsewhere and was even late . And thereupon he ran off , after pressing the priest 's hands and affectionately wishing him a good journey . Eight o'clock was striking , and Pierre seated himself at the little table , Victorine remaining to serve him after dismissing Giacomo , who had brought the supper things upstairs in a basket . `` The people here make me wild , '' said the worthy woman after the other had gone , `` they are so slow . And besides , it 's a pleasure for me to serve you your last meal , Monsieur l'Abbe . I 've had a little French dinner cooked for you , a / sole au gratin / and a roast fowl . ''