midday
He arose at dawn , and worked until the arrival of his courier ; then he mounted his horse , attired in morning military costume . After his ride , he visited the quartermaster-general of his division , received the report of his chief of staff , and gave necessary orders . It was at this place , and never at the General 's own dwelling , that the captains or subaltern officers presented themselves when they had occasion to speak to him . At midday he returned to breakfast at the Hotel de Montgeron where , morning and evening , his plate was laid ; and soon after this meal he retired to his own quarters to work with his orderly , whose duty it was to report to him regarding the numerous guns and pieces of heavy ordnance which make the object of much going and coming in military life . After signing the usual number of documents , the General would mount another of his horses , and at this hour would appear in civilian attire for an afternoon canter . After this second ride he would pass an hour at his club , but without ever touching a card , no matter what game was in progress . He dined at different places , but oftenest with his sister , where by this time a studied silence was preserved on the subject of Zibeline .