four o’clock
It was he who put us on our guard against the time-bargains a man makes with poverty under the sanction of hope , by accepting precarious situations whence he fights the battle , carried along by the devious tide of Paris -- that great harlot who takes you up or leaves you stranded , smiles or turns her back on you with equal readiness , wears out the strongest will in vexatious waiting , and makes misfortune wait on chance . At our first meeting , Marcas , as it were , dazzled us . On our return from the schools , a little before the dinner-hour , we were accustomed to go up to our room and remain there a while , either waiting for the other , to learn whether there were any change in our plans for the evening . One day , at four o'clock , Juste met Marcas on the stairs , and I saw him in the street . It was in the month of November , and Marcas had no cloak ; he wore shoes with heavy soles , corduroy trousers , and a blue double-breasted coat buttoned to the throat , which gave a military air to his broad chest , all the more so because he wore a black stock . The costume was not in itself extraordinary , but it agreed well with the man 's mien and countenance . My first impression on seeing him was neither surprise , nor distress , nor interest , nor pity , but curiosity mingled with all these feelings .