ten o’clock
Elizabetha Prokofievna sometimes informed the girls that they were a little too candid in this matter , but in spite of their outward deference to their mother these three young women , in solemn conclave , had long agreed to modify the unquestioning obedience which they had been in the habit of according to her ; and Mrs. General Epanchin had judged it better to say nothing about it , though , of course , she was well aware of the fact . It is true that her nature sometimes rebelled against these dictates of reason , and that she grew yearly more capricious and impatient ; but having a respectful and well-disciplined husband under her thumb at all times , she found it possible , as a rule , to empty any little accumulations of spleen upon his head , and therefore the harmony of the family was kept duly balanced , and things went as smoothly as family matters can . Mrs. Epanchin had a fair appetite herself , and generally took her share of the capital mid-day lunch which was always served for the girls , and which was nearly as good as a dinner . The young ladies used to have a cup of coffee each before this meal , at ten o'clock , while still in bed . This was a favourite and unalterable arrangement with them . At half-past twelve , the table was laid in the small dining-room , and occasionally the general himself appeared at the family gathering , if he had time . Besides tea and coffee , cheese , honey , butter , pan-cakes of various kinds -LRB- the lady of the house loved these best -RRB- , cutlets , and so on , there was generally strong beef soup , and other substantial delicacies .