ten
o'clock
I told you , I believe , that I had my office in the Rue Daunou . You understand that I had to receive my clients -- many of whom were of exalted rank -- in a fashionable quarter of Paris . But I actually lodged in Passy -- being fond of country pursuits and addicted to fresh air -- in a humble hostelry under the sign of the `` Grey Cat '' ; and here , too , Theodore had a bed . He would walk to the office a couple of hours before I myself started on the way , and I was wont to arrive as soon after ten o'clock of a morning as I could do conveniently . On this memorable occasion of which I am about to tell you -- it was during the autumn of 1815 -- I had come to the office unusually early , and had just hung my hat and coat in the outer room , and taken my seat at my desk in the inner office , there to collect my thoughts in preparation for the grave events which the day might bring forth , when , suddenly , an ill-dressed , dour-looking individual entered the room without so much as saying , `` By your leave , '' and after having pushed Theodore -- who stood by like a lout -- most unceremoniously to one side . Before I had time to recover from my surprise at this unseemly intrusion , the uncouth individual thrust Theodore roughly out of the room , slammed the door in his face , and having satisfied himself that he was alone with me and that the door was too solid to allow of successful eavesdropping , he dragged the best chair forward -- the one , sir , which I reserve for lady visitors . He threw his leg across it , and , sitting astride , he leaned his elbows over the back and glowered at me as if he meant to frighten me .