eight o'clock
Ever since the night of the fight with the bear there had been nothing said on matters concerning the Rebellion . If Nicolas disclosed any secret now , it must surely be about the money , and that must not be if he could prevent it . But he watched his friend , nevertheless . Night came , and Christine did not return ; eight o'clock , nine o'clock . Lavilette and his wife were a little anxious ; but Ferrol and Nicolas made excuses for her , and , in the wild talk and gossip about the Rebellion , attention was easily shifted from her . Besides , Christine was well used to taking care of herself . Lavilette flatly refused to give Nic a penny for `` the cause , '' and stormed at his connection with it ; but at last became pacified , and agreed it was best that Madame Lavilette should know nothing about Nic 's complicity just yet .