noon
But neither Blaise nor Charlotte was there . They found only a servant who was watching over the little girl , Berthe . This servant declared that she had not seen Monsieur Blaise since the previous day , for he had remained at the Beauchenes ' near the body . And as for Madame , she also had gone there early that morning , and had left instructions that Berthe was to be brought to her at noon , in order that she might not have to come back to give her the breast . Then , as Marianne in surprise began to put some questions , the girl explained matters : `` Madame took a box of drawing materials with her . I fancy that she is painting a portrait of the poor young man who is dead . '' As Mathieu and Marianne crossed the courtyard of the works , they felt oppressed by the grave-like silence which reigned in that great city of labor , usually so full of noise and bustle .