eleven
o'clock
It was one of those provincial dinners lasting five hours . The most exquisite wines enlivened the conversation . By nine o'clock , at dessert , the painter , seated opposite to his uncle , and between Flore and Max , had fraternized with the soldier , and thought him the best fellow on earth . Joseph returned home at eleven o'clock somewhat tipsy . As to old Rouget , Kouski had carried him to his bed dead-drunk ; he had eaten as though he were an actor from foreign parts , and had soaked up the wine like the sands of the desert . `` Well , '' said Max when he was alone with Flore , `` is n't this better than making faces at them ? The Bridaus are well received , they get small presents , and are smothered with attentions , and the end of it is they will sing our praises ; they will go away satisfied and leave us in peace .