four o'clock
Try to get alone with your uncle . If , in spite of all your genius , you ca n't manage it , that in itself will throw some light upon their scheme . But if you do get a moment alone with him , out of ear-shot , damn it , you must pull the wool from his eyes as to the situation those two have put him in , and plead your mother 's cause . '' At four o'clock , Joseph crossed the open space which separated the Rouget house from the Hochon house , -- a sort of avenue of weakly lindens , two hundred feet long and of the same width as the rue Grande Narette . When the nephew arrived , Kouski , in polished boots , black cloth trousers , white waistcoat , and black coat , announced him . The table was set in the large hall , and Joseph , who easily distinguished his uncle , went up to him , kissed him , and bowed to Flore and Max . `` We have not seen each other since I came into the world , my dear uncle , '' said the painter gayly ; `` but better late than never . ''