midday
The vanguard of the fleet had been sighted some half-hour ago , and the two or three boats whose lights could now be seen approaching , one of which was recognized as Paul Gignol 's `` Annette , '' would , if all was well , anchor in the harbour that night : for the tide was high , so that the harbour basin was full ; and the light of the torches and lanterns that were carried to and fro among the crowd , was reflected from its surface in distorted and broken flashes ; while the regular plashing of the water against the quay-side accompanied the low murmur of the crowd . Victorine sought in vain for Annette in the darkness , dressed , as she was , like all the other peasant girls ; but her eye lighted on the tall , powerful figure of Jules Leroux , Annette 's father , standing at the door of the _ bureau du port _ , where he and some others were discussing the signals . Victorine approached the group , and announced in her emphatic way that Annette was ill , very ill , and had gone out alone into the crowd , when the doctor had bidden her not leave her bed . Jules , who had been down at the harbour since midday , and had heard nothing of Annette 's recovered voice , or of her riding to the village , started off without waiting for more , along the quay and on to the very end of the mole , where the light guarded the entrance to the harbour , saying to himself , `` It is there she will be -- if she have feet to carry her -- it is there she will be -- when the boat comes in . '' Victorine looked after him , murmuring , `` Surely the child Annette is the apple of her father 's eye . '' The outline of the foremost fishing-smack was growing more and more distinct on the water , as he reached the end of the quay . Moving figures on board flashed into uncertain light for a moment , then disappeared into darkness again .