seven o'clock
inquired La Goualeuse , as earnestly as though every syllable her ears drank in was to be effectually brought to pass . `` Oh , yes ! by all means ; and there happens , fortunately , to be a nice little bridge , by which the river separating the farm-land from the meadow may be crossed . By the time you reach home , upon my word , it is seven o'clock ; and , as the evenings begin to be a little chill , a bright , cheerful fire is blazing in the large farm kitchen ; you go in there for a few minutes , just to warm yourself and to speak a few kind words to the honest labourers , who are enjoying a hearty meal after the day 's toil is over . Then you sit down to dinner with your aunt ; sometimes the curé , or a neighbouring farmer , is invited to share the meal . After dinner you read or work , while your aunt and her guest have a friendly game at piquet . At ten o'clock she dismisses you , with a kiss and a blessing , to your chamber ; you retire to your room , offer prayers and thanksgivings to the Great Author of all your happiness , then sleep soundly till morning , when the same routine begins again . ''