twelve o’clock
His personality was agreeable to those with whom he had to do , for he wrapped it in a misleading gayety ; he knew how to talk a great deal without saying a word of what he meant to keep unsaid . He wrote little , so as to deny anything that escaped him which might prove unfavorable in its after effects upon his interests . His books and papers were kept by a cashier , -- an honest man , whom men of Gaubertin 's stamp always seek to get hold of , and whom they make , in their own selfish interests , their first dupe . When Rigou 's little green chaise appeared , towards twelve o'clock , in the broad avenue which skirts the river , Gaubertin , in cap , boots , and jacket , was returning from the wharves . He hastened his steps , -- feeling very sure that Rigou 's object in coming over could only be `` the great affair . '' `` Good morning , gendarme ; good morning , paunch of gall and wisdom , '' he said , giving a little slap to the stomachs of his two visitors . `` We have business to talk over , and , faith !