eleven o’clock
`` Poor people ! '' said Madame Lourdois , in a low voice to her husband . `` If you ever need me , my dear Monsieur Birotteau , come and see me , '' said Lourdois . `` I might help -- '' `` I do need you -- at eleven o'clock to-day , monsieur , '' said Birotteau , retiring . * * * * * This first result gave courage to the poor bankrupt , but not peace of mind . On the contrary , the thought of regaining his honor agitated his life inordinately ; he completely lost the natural color of his cheeks , his eyes grew sunken and dim , and his face hollow . When old acquaintances met him , in the morning at eight o'clock or in the evening at four , as he went to and from the Rue de l'Oratoire , wearing the surtout coat he wore at the time of his fall , and which he husbanded as a poor sub-lieutenant husbands his uniform , -- his hair entirely white , his face pale , his manner timid , -- some few would stop him in spite of himself ; for his eye was alert to avoid those he knew as he crept along beside the walls , like a thief .