six o'clock
He walked toward the empress with a hasty nod , and offering her his hand to conduct her to the table , he said : `` I believe it is a little late . I have kept you waiting , I suppose ? '' Josephine laughed . `` The question is rather _ naïve _ , my friend , '' she said ; `` I have been waiting ever since six o'clock , and it is now past eleven . '' `` Ah , that is late , indeed , '' said the emperor abstractedly . `` I thought I had already dined ; Champagny , however , reminded me that this was not the case . Well , Josephine , let us eat ! ''