six o'clock
They did not dare unbar the door and let him forth : they tried all they could to solace him . They brought him sweet cakes and juicy meats ; they tempted him with the best they had ; they tried to lure him to abide by the warmth of the hearth ; but it was of no avail . Patrasche refused to be comforted or to stir from the barred portal . It was six o'clock when from an opposite entrance the miller at last came , jaded and broken , into his wife 's presence . `` It is lost forever , '' he said with an ashen cheek and a quiver in his stern voice . `` We have looked with lanterns everywhere : it is gone , -- the little maiden 's portion and all ! '' His wife put the money into his hand , and told him how it had come to her .