nine o'clock
Rich food and wine are by no means conducive to cheerfulness . The squire sloomed and slept in his chair ; and finally , after a cup of tea , went to bed . The servants had a party in their own hall , and Mrs. Sandal and Charlotte were occupied an hour or two in its ordering . Then the mother was thoroughly weary ; and before it was quite nine o'clock , Harry and Charlotte were left alone by the parlor fire . Charlotte was a little dull also ; for Steve had found it impossible to get down the mountain during the storm , and she missed him , and was constantly inclined to fall into short silences . After one of them , she raised her eyes to Harry 's face , and was shocked by its expression . `` Harry , '' she said , leaning forward to take his hand , `` I am sure you are in trouble .