eleven o’clock
A cook and footman were the only servants of the household during this period of Madame Bridau 's grandeur . Agathe , early afoot , went to market with her cook . While the latter did the rooms , she prepared the breakfast . Bridau never went to the ministry before eleven o'clock . As long as their union lasted , his wife took the same unwearying pleasure in preparing for him an exquisite breakfast , the only meal he really enjoyed . At all seasons and in all weathers , Agathe watched her husband from the window as he walked toward his office , and never drew in her head until she had seen him turn the corner of the rue du Bac . Then she cleared the breakfast-table herself , gave an eye to the arrangement of the rooms , dressed for the day , played with her children and took them to walk , or received the visits of friends ; all the while waiting in spirit for Bridau 's return .