five o’clock in the afternoon
Their talk is full of `` buts , '' `` notwithstandings , '' `` for myself I should , '' `` were I in your place '' -LRB- they often say `` in your place '' -RRB- , -- phrases , however , which pave the way to opposition . In person , Clement des Lupeaulx had the remains of a handsome man ; five feet six inches tall , tolerably stout , complexion flushed with good living , powdered head , delicate spectacles , and a worn-out air ; the natural skin blond , as shown by the hand , puffy like that of an old woman , rather too square , and with short nails -- the hand of a satrap . His foot was elegant . After five o'clock in the afternoon des Lupeaulx was always to be seen in open-worked silk stockings , low shoes , black trousers , cashmere waistcoat , cambric handkerchief -LRB- without perfume -RRB- , gold chain , blue coat of the shade called `` king 's blue , '' with brass buttons and a string of orders . In the morning he wore creaking boots and gray trousers , and the short close surtout coat of the politician . His general appearance early in the day was that of a sharp lawyer rather than that of a ministerial officer . Eyes glazed by the constant use of spectacles made him plainer than he really was , if by chance he took those appendages off .