six
o’clock
On this occasion she was in a greater hurry , as Madame Bourdieu , who employed her in a variety of ways , had asked her to take Norine 's child to the Foundling Hospital if she did not take it to Rougemont . `` And so , '' said La Couteau , turning to Madame Bourdieu , `` I shall have only the other lady 's child to take back with me . Well , I had better see her at once to make final arrangements . Then I 'll take this one and carry it yonder as fast as possible , for my train starts at six o'clock . '' When La Couteau and Madame Bourdieu had gone off to speak to Rosine , who was the `` other lady '' referred to , the room sank into silence save for the wailing and sobbing of Norine . Mathieu had seated himself near the cradle , gazing compassionately at the poor little babe , who was still peacefully sleeping . Soon , however , Victoire , the little servant girl , who had hitherto remained silent , as if absorbed in her sewing , broke the heavy silence and talked on slowly and interminably without raising her eyes from her needle .