six o’clock
` Tis a pattern man , and has talent too . When will he be able to take his orchestra again , do you think ? A theatre , unfortunately , is like a stage coach : empty or full , it starts at the same time . Here at six o'clock every evening , up goes the curtain ; and if we are never sorry for ourselves , it wo n't make good music . Let us see now -- how is he ? '' La Cibot pulled out her pocket-handkerchief and held it to her eyes . `` It is a terrible thing to say , my dear sir , '' said she ; `` but I am afraid we shall lose him , though we are as careful of him as of the apple of our eyes .