about
eleven o’clock
Constance , much moved , thought no longer of costs , nor of blaming her husband ; and for the following reason : That morning , when he brought the engraving of Hero and Leander , Anselme Popinot , whom Constance credited with much intelligence and practical ability , had assured her of the inevitable success of Cephalic Oil , for which he was working night and day with a fury that was almost unprecedented . The lover promised that no matter what was the round sum of Birotteau 's extravagance , it should be covered in six months by Cesar 's share in the profits of the oil . After fearing and trembling for nineteen years it was so sweet to give herself up to one day of unalloyed happiness , that Constance promised her daughter not to poison her husband 's pleasure by any doubts or disapproval , but to share his happiness heartily . When therefore , about eleven o'clock , Grindot left them , she threw herself into her husband 's arms and said to him with tears of joy , `` Cesar ! ah , I am beside myself ! You have made me very happy ! '' `` Provided it lasts , you mean ? ''