four o’clock
`` They are going out together to-day for the first time . They are such a couple of dry sticks that if they happen to strike against each other they will draw sparks like flint and steel . '' `` Keep clear of Mlle. Michonneau 's shawl , then , '' said Mme. Vauquer , laughing ; `` it would flare up like tinder . '' At four o'clock that evening , when Goriot came in , he saw , by the light of two smoky lamps , that Victorine 's eyes were red . Mme. Vauquer was listening to the history of the visit made that morning to M. Taillefer ; it had been made in vain . Taillefer was tired of the annual application made by his daughter and her elderly friend ; he gave them a personal interview in order to arrive at an understanding with them . `` My dear lady , '' said Mme. Couture , addressing Mme. Vauquer , `` just imagine it ; he did not even ask Victorine to sit down , she was standing the whole time .