about eleven o’clock
The former , who had been absorbed for some months in a theory of colours , was explaining his system to the other . ` I paint my shade in , ' he continued , as if in a dream . ` The red of the flag loses its brightness and becomes yellowish because it stands out against the blue of the sky , the complementary shade of which -- orange -- blends with red -- ' Claude , interested at once , was already questioning him when the servant brought in a telegram . ` All right , ' said Sandoz , ` it 's from Dubuche , who apologises ; he promises to come and surprise us at about eleven o'clock . ' At this moment Henriette threw the door wide open , and personally announced that dinner was ready . She had doffed her white apron , and cordially shook hands , as hostess , with all of them . ` Take your seats !