nine o'clock
She patted them all , and , having seated herself , began to milk one , a fine white cow , which , standing motionless , with eyes half-closed , seemed grateful for the preference . When her pail was full Fuldrade made haste back , and , presenting it to Bernard , said , smiling -- `` Drink as much as you like ; that is the way we drink milk warm from the cow in the country . '' Which was done at once , the good man thanking her many times , and praising the excellence of this frothy milk , flavoured , as it were , with the wild aromatic plants of the Schnéeberg , Fuldrade seemed pleased with his eulogiums , and Christian , who had slipped on his blouse , standing behind them , staff in hand , waited for the end of these compliments before he cried -- `` Now , master , en route ! We have plenty of water now to turn the mill for six weeks without stopping , and I must be back by nine o'clock . '' And they started , following the gravelly road under the hill . `` Adieu ! '' said Maître Bernard to the young girl , who gently bowed her head without speaking ; `` farewell !