noon
The rain was descending in cataracts when monsieur Rigaud got outside , but though the trams and the trains had both stopped running , and cabs were as dear as radium , his fury was so tempestuous that nothing could deter him from reaching the poet 's real abode . His attack on the front door warned Tricotrin and Pitou what had happened , and they raised themselves , blanched , from their pillows , to receive his curses . It was impossible to reason with him , and he launched the most frightful denunciation at his nephew for an hour , when the abatement of the downpour permitted him to depart . More , at noon , who should arrive but Leonie in tears ! She had been dismissed from her employment , and came to beg the poet to intercede for her . `` What calamities ! '' groaned Tricotrin .