six o'clock
She had always lived where kitchen-maids were kept . I said calmly , `` Oh , well , it 's fortunate that I am a woman , and can cook for the lot of you until help comes . Perhaps you will kindly bring tea into the hall , and then get your own as quickly as possible . I shall require the kitchen by six o'clock . '' They were horribly discomposed , and I left them murmuring vaguely in protest , very pleased with myself and my fine womanly attitude , though at the bottom of my heart I knew quite well that Bridget would come to the rescue , and never a saucepan should I be allowed to touch . As a matter of fact the good soul descended on the slackers like a whirlwind , and the while she drove them before her , treated them to an eloquent lecture upon the future sufferings , privations , rebellions , and retaliations of the prospective husbands of females who had grown to woman 's estate , and yet could not cook a meal . Through the green baize door I could hear the continuous torrent of invective , broken at first by protest , later on by soft exclamations of surprise , and finally -- oh , the relief of that moment !