nine o’clock
He rose , pressed their hands , unable to speak . Then they sat down near one another , and formed a large semicircle in front of the fire . With lowered faces , and swinging one leg crossed over the other knee , they uttered deep sighs at intervals ; each one was inordinately bored , and yet none would be the first to go . Homais , when he returned at nine o'clock -LRB- for the last two days only Homais seemed to have been on the Place -RRB- , was laden with a stock of camphor , of benzine , and aromatic herbs . He also carried a large jar full of chlorine water , to keep off all miasmata . Just then the servant , Madame Lefrancois , and Madame Bovary senior were busy about Emma , finishing dressing her , and they were drawing down the long stiff veil that covered her to her satin shoes . Felicite was sobbing -- `` Ah !