ten o’clock
John Browdie remained standing behind the table , looking from his wife to Nicholas , and back again , with his mouth wide open , until his hand accidentally fell upon the tankard of ale , when he took it up , and having obscured his features therewith for some time , drew a long breath , handed it over to Nicholas , and rang the bell . ` Here , waither , ' said John , briskly . ` Look alive here . Tak ' these things awa ' , and let 's have soomat broiled for sooper -- vary comfortable and plenty o ' it -- at ten o'clock . Bring soom brandy and soom wather , and a pair o ' slippers -- the largest pair in the house -- and be quick aboot it . Dash ma wig ! ' said John , rubbing his hands , ` there 's no ganging oot to neeght , noo , to fetch anybody whoam , and ecod , we 'll begin to spend the evening in airnest . '