two o'clock
But Helene remained chilled to the heart , while the doctor , with Lucien clinging to his neck , gazed at them over the child 's fair head . In the hall of the doctor 's house stood Pierre , in dress coat and white cravat , throwing open the door as each carriage rolled up . Puffs of dank air rushed in ; the afternoon was rainy , and a yellow light illumined the narrow hall , with its curtained doorways and array of green plants . It was only two o'clock , but the evening seemed as near at hand as on a dismal winter 's day . However , as soon as the servant opened the door of the first drawing-room , a stream of light dazzled the guests . The shutters had been closed , and the curtains carefully drawn , and no gleam from the dull sky could gain admittance . The lamps standing here and there on the furniture , and the lighted candles of the chandelier and the crystal wall-brackets , gave the apartment somewhat the appearance of a brilliantly illuminated chapel .