four o'clock
Thinking of the faces they would make gave them pleasure ahead of time . However , they could n't remain standing there admiring the table . The Coupeaus had lunched very late on just a bite or two , because the stoves were already in use , and because they did not want to dirty any dishes needed for the evening . By four o'clock the two women were working very hard . The huge goose was being cooked on a spit . Squint-eyed Augustine was sitting on a low bench solemnly basting the goose with a long-handled spoon . Gervaise was busy with the peas with bacon .