3:55
The dinner was served in the workshop , on long boards supported by trestles , and through the open door they could see all the enjoyment that was going on . Everywhere they were feasting , and through every window were to be seen tables surrounded by people in their Sunday best , and a cheerful noise was heard in every house , while the men were sitting in their shirt-sleeves , drinking cider , glass after glass . In the carpenter 's house , their gaiety maintained somewhat of an air of reserve , which was the consequence of the emotion of the girls in the morning , and Rivet was the only one who was in a good cue , and he was drinking to excess . Madame Tellier was looking at the clock every moment , for , in order not to lose two days following , they ought to take the 3:55 train , which would bring them to Fécamp by dark . The carpenter tried very hard to distract her attention , so as to keep his guests until the next day , but he did not succeed , for she never joked when there was business to be done , and as soon as they had had their coffee she ordered her girls to make haste and get ready , and then , turning to her brother , she said : `` You must have the horse put in immediately , '' and she herself went to finish her last preparations . When she came down again , her sister-in-law was waiting to speak to her about the child , and a long conversation took place , in which , however , nothing was settled . The carpenter 's wife finished , and pretended to be very much moved , and Madame Tellier , who was holding the girl on her knees , would not pledge herself to anything definite , but merely gave vague promises ... she would not forget her , there was plenty of time , and then , they should meet again .