About noon
So , after an affectionate leave-taking , Célestin hastened to the Hôtel de Senneterre . On the morning of the same day on which the foregoing conversation between Abbé Ledoux and M. de Macreuse took place , Madame la Duchesse de Senneterre , having received an important letter , went out at ten o'clock , as usual . On her return , at half past eleven , she immediately asked for her son Gerald ; but that young gentleman 's valet reported to madame 's maid that M. le duc had not slept at home the night before . About noon there came another and very peremptory message from the duchess , but her son had not yet returned . At last , about half past twelve , Gerald entered his mother 's room , and was about to embrace her with affectionate gaiety , when the duchess , pushing him away , said , reproachfully : `` This is the third time I have sent for you , my son . '' `` I have but just returned home , and here I am ! What do you wish , my dear mother ? ''