seven in the morning in summer
When there was any question as to a man or a family needing help , the lawyer could always command information from the police . Lavienne , a man made for his master , was his aide-de-camp . He redeemed or renewed pawn-tickets , and visited the districts most threatened with famine , while his master was in court . From four till seven in the morning in summer , from six till nine in winter , this room was full of women , children , and paupers , while Popinot gave audience . There was no need for a stove in winter ; the crowd was so dense that the air was warmed ; only , Lavienne strewed straw on the wet floor . By long use the benches were as polished as varnished mahogany ; at the height of a man 's shoulders the wall had a coat of dark , indescribable color , given to it by the rags and tattered clothes of these poor creatures . The poor wretches loved Popinot so well that when they assembled before his door was opened , before daybreak on a winter 's morning , the women warming themselves with their foot-brasiers , the men swinging their arms for circulation , never a sound had disturbed his sleep .