about eight in the morning
She paid for Masses , beseeching God and the Saints to enlighten her as to what the faults were which displeased her husband , and to show her the way to restore the erring sheep ; but the more fervent her prayers , the less was Granville to be seen at home . For about five years now , having achieved a high position as a judge , Granville had occupied the _ entresol _ of the house to avoid living with the Comtesse de Granville . Every morning a little scene took place , which , if evil tongues are to be believed , is repeated in many households as the result of incompatibility of temper , of moral or physical malady , or of antagonisms leading to such disaster as is recorded in this history . At about eight in the morning a housekeeper , bearing no small resemblance to a nun , rang at the Comte de Granville 's door . Admitted to the room next to the Judge 's study , she always repeated the same message to the footman , and always in the same tone : `` Madame would be glad to know whether Monsieur le Comte has had a good night , and if she is to have the pleasure of his company at breakfast . '' `` Monsieur presents his compliments to Madame la Comtesse , '' the valet would say , after speaking with his master , `` and begs her to hold him excused ; important business compels him to be in court this morning . '' A minute later the woman reappeared and asked on madame 's behalf whether she would have the pleasure of seeing Monsieur le Comte before he went out .