nine o'clock
`` If it 'll ease your mind , and do you any good to know , you never had a chance She told me so . '' `` I sha 'n' t follow you , '' said Mr. Heard ; `` it 's your last evening , so you 'd better make the most of it . '' He turned on his heel , and the mate , pondering on his last words , went thoughtfully on to the house . Amid the distraction of pleasant society and a long walk , the matter passed from his mind , and he only remembered it at nine o'clock that evening as a knock sounded on the door and the sallow face of Mr. Heard was thrust into the room . `` Good-evening all , '' said the intruder . `` Evening , Arthur , '' said Mr. Smith , affably . Mr. Heard with a melancholy countenance entered the room and closed the door gently behind him .