four o'clock
Her appearance created quite an atmosphere of cheerful society in the dining-room , usually occupied only by my uncle and his nephew . My uncle was no doubt conscious of the same impression , for leaning towards me , he said to me in his inimitably cool manner , and in a low voice , `` Do n't you see how everything brightens up already ? '' My aunt sat down , and as she took off her gloves , cast her eyes over the table , the sideboards , the servants in waiting , and the general arrangements of the dining-room . `` François , '' she said to my uncle 's old man-servant , `` please send the gardener to me at four o'clock . '' `` Yes , Madame la Comtesse . '' `` And then send the steward , whom I do not see here . '' `` Oh , _ I _ am the steward ! ''