about two in the morning
But what an overwhelming blow it was both for the mother and for the father , all whose dreams and calculations it swept away ! The only son , the one and only heir , the prince of industry , whom they had desired with such obstinate , scheming egotism , had passed away like a shadow ; their arms clasped but a void , and the frightful reality arose before them ; a moment had sufficed , and they were childless . Blaise was with the parents at the bedside at the moment when Maurice expired . It was then about two in the morning , and as soon as possible he telegraphed the news of the death to Chantebled . Nine o'clock was striking when Marianne , very pale , quite upset , came into the yard to call Mathieu . `` Maurice is dead ! ... _ Mon Dieu _ !